
Book 



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OI<'l-'li'lAI. liONATION. 



U.? GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION 



ANNUAL REPORTS 



SECKETAEY OF WAR 



) 3 ) 3, 



1893-1901 



WASHINGTON 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 
1902 



,1158 5 



JAN 13 1903 
D.ofD, 



SECRETARIES OF WAR 

Hon. Daniel S. Lamoxt 
Hon. Russell A. Alger 
Hon. Elihu Eoot 



UNITED STATES GETTYSBURG COMMISSION 

Lieut. Col. John P. Nicholson, Chairman. 

Appointed May 25, 1893. 
Major William M. Robeins. 

Appointed March 13, 1894. 
Major Charles A. Richardson. 

Appointed April 25, 1895. 

John B. Bachelder, Esq. 

Appointed May 25, 1893. 

Died December 22, 1894. 
Brig. Gen. W. H. Forney. 

Appointed May 25, 1893. 

Died January 16, 1894. 

Bvt. Lieut. Col. E. B. Cope, Engineer. 

Mr. S. Augustine Hammond, Assistant Engineer. 

Mr. H. W. Mattern, Assistant Engineer and Draftsman. 



ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK 
COMMISSION TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR, 1893. 



Gettysbueg, Pa. , November 16, 1893. 

Sir: The commission was appointed May 25, 1893, hy Secretary of 
War Daniel S. Lamont, and consisted of Lieut. Col. Jolm P. Nichol- 
son, Jolm B. Bachelder, esq., and Brig. Gen. W. H. Forney. 

The letter of instruction for the guidance of tlie commission Avas 
dated May 29, 1893, and the board assembled for organization May 
31, 1893. Present, Colonel Nicholson and Mr. Bachelder. General 
Forney absent, detained by sickness at his home. 

Upon organization the commission found important lines of battle 
occupied by an electric railway, the construction of wliicli had begun 
early in April, 1893. After inspecting the road and the land over 
which it Avas constructed, on July 1 the full board assembled and 
selected Col. E. B. Cope as toijographical engineer. He was appointed 
and the assistants selected, a room for the commission rented at Get- 
tysburg, and the survey of the field was at once commenced and has 
been daily continued. 

The first work was to establish a meridian, which in all the survej^s 
since the war had never been done. The datum point of reference 
was the center of the square in the town of Gettysburg, and a meridian 
line was established on tlie high ground of the Gettysburg Battlefield 
Memorial Association, near Hancock avenue. 

The north point of this line is near the monument of the One hun- 
dred and twenty-sixth New York Infantry, and the south point near 
the line of the Benner property. The line was subsequently extended 
south to the Tenth New York Infantry Monument. 

The location of the town of Gettysburg, geographically, has been 
determined to be latitude 39° 49' 15" and longitude from Washington 
0° 11' 0" west; the altitude above tide water at the Center Square, 
550 feet. 

Using this meridian as a base of operations, there has been run 
many miles of back-sight transit lines on various parts of the field. 

The commissioners completed the examination of the Seminary 
Ridge line on August 3, from the Blocher property, on the Hagers- 
town road, south to and beyond the McMillan Woods, and decided to 
survey a preliminary line at once. The line begins at the Blocher 
Building and runs south to the Emmitsburg road at the James Felix 
property and traverses the line that was taken up and occujiied by the 
Confederate army during the greater part of the second and third 
days' battle and affords a view of the entire line from the cemetery to 
Round Top. It has since been surveyed and extended to the Ridge 
road, 4,500 feet south. 

Upon this avenue, and in rear of it, there remain many traces of 
the Confederate breastworks, and in all eases where stone walls Avere 



6 GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MIHTAEY PAEK COMMISSION. 

remaining that were known to have been used for defensive purposes, 
they were included within the avenue. 

At the north side of this avenue is a piece of timber containing 
about 4 acres, where the Confederate artillery was posted, which is 
included in the survey; also the Spangler Woods, in which are remains 
of breastworks, containing about 25 acres, situated near the middle 
of the avenue, was survej^ed and computed. All the work was con- 
nected with the meridian by the Emmitsburg road. 

On August 14 a Confederate avenue was surve^^ed, which was tem- 
j)orarily named the "Outside Wheatfield avenue," beginning at the 
Emmitsburg road, 800 feet southwest of the crossroads at the Peach 
Orchard, running easterly to the lands of tlie Memorial Association, 
thence in a southeasterlj^ direction by the lands of the Memorial Asso- 
ciation, and terminating on a west line of the Crawford tract, near 
Devil's Den. 

On August IG and 17 the Crawford tract was surveyed and found 
to contain about 47 acres, which was mapped in connection with the 
Tipton property and lands of the Memorial Association. 

On August 18 a transit line was run from the Emmitsburg road on 
the crossroad to II. Spangler's woods, and thence to the Seminary 
Ridge line. 

On August 22 and 2.3 the survey was made on the line of the Memo- 
rial Association on Little Round Top, and also on the boundary lines 
of the Tipton property, included between the said association prop- 
erty and the Crawford tract. 

On August 24 the lines of the Pfeffer, Benner, and Codori proper- 
ties were surveyed. This survey was completed September 10. 

On September 11 survey was made of a lot of ground belonging to 
Charles Starner on the Seminary Ridge avenue line, with a view to 
purchase the property'. 

On the 12th and 13th the properties of James Felix, at the end of 
the avenue on the Emmitsburg road, was surveyed and also the lines 
on the properties of Mr. Wolf and Mrs. Plank. These properties 
are connecting on the avenue line and reach from the Wheatfield 
road to the Emmitsburg road. 

On September 20 a transit line was made at the intersection of Rey- 
nolds avenue and Chambersburg street in Gettysburg, which was con- 
tinued out the Chambersburg pike to Willoughby Run, and from near 
this point two avenues were run on the east side of the stream, ending 
at the Springs Hotel bridge. The other one, beginning on the west 
side of the bridge and following the right V)ank of Willoughby Run, 
terminates in a j)ublic road that leads in a northwesterly direction to 
the Herr Tavern road. 

On September 21 to 23 the preliminary line for another avenue was 
surveyed. It begins at a point on the Chambersburg pike 880 feet 
west of Willoughby Run bridge, crossing the Springs Hotel property 
in a southerly direction, and ends at the Hagerstown road. This line 
was prolonged several miles to a previously located connecting point 
on the Seminary Ridge line. 

On September 25 commenced a transit line upon Reynolds and 
Buford avenues to the line of timber beyond the Mummasburg road 
on the property of John Forney. Here Ave began a line for another 
avenue in an easterly general direction to the Carlisle road ; thence 
continuing through property of the Blocher heirs and across Rock 
Creek; then in a southeasterly general direction to the Harrisburg 
road at the J. Benner House, continuing the line in the same general 



GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 7 

direction across the Western Maryland Railroad and York pike to 
the summit of Benuers Ridge. From this point there was run a straight 
line to Benners Hill, and there the survey was temporarily suspended. 

On September 28 began a careful survey of the field in the vicinity 
of the Springs Hotel, the object of which was to map that territory to 
the minutest detail, showing also all the projected Confederate ave- 
nues. The survey embraces an area of about H square miles. It has 
l)een carefully mapped, traced, and blue printed. This survey and 
the office work necessary to complete the map occupied the attention 
of the engineer corps until October 10. 

On October 11 there was run a line from the point in the center of 
the square of the town by the Hanover road to a point connecting 
our line on Benners Hill, and also triangulated to the same point from 
East Cemetery Hill. 

The engineer corps is noM' at work on a detailed survey of East 
Cemetery and Culps Hill and the ground to the east and other adjoin- 
ing lands. 

On August 28 the commissioners addressed a proposition to the 
attorneys representing heirs of the estate of General Crawford to 
purchase the land known as the Crawford tract for $700. The prop- 
osition was accepted after approval by the Secretary of War, and the 
deeds are now being executed. 

On September 18 the commissioners purchased from Mr. Charles 
Starner 5.2(5 acres of land, at $50 per acre. The purchase was ratified 
by the Secretary of War, and the deed is now being executed. 

On August 23 an excursion party from Winchester, Va., many of 
whom (veterans of the Stonewall Brigade) had been at the battle, 
visited Gettysburg. They went over the field in company with the 
commissioners (Mr. Bachelder and General Forney having gone to 
Hagerstown, Md., to meet them) and marked a number of positions 
of the respective commands of the Confederate army on Gulp's Hill 
and elsewhere, and returned to their homes in the evening. They 
seemed deeply impressed with the importance of this work and enthu- 
siastic in their assurance of cooperation from the Confederate veterans. 

A summary of the field work of the engineer corps under the 
direction of the commission shows the following: 

Twenty-seven miles of public roads have been run and a preliminarj^ 
survey of 20 miles of avenues and proposed avenues was nmde, and 
24 miles of property' lines. As the work of constructing the avenues 
progresses other surveys will be necessary. The work has been 
plotted on a scale of 1 inch to 500 feet and reduced to one-half that 
size. Part of the work has been enlarged to 1 inch to 400 feet, and 
also 1 inch to 200 feet, which is the scale of the large Warren map, 12 
feet square. 

A large portion of the work has been traced and blue printed. 

The commission has not thought it wise to open avenues until such 
times as land can be purchased at reasonable prices. This, it is 
believed, may be accomplished by watching the opportunity to buy 
odd lots which will be needed in open market at popular rates, by 
which plan the commission will not only secure lands desired, but a 
precedent will be established for the use of the court should the 
necessity for condemnation proceedings arise. 

By the opening of spring the commission will be in condition to 
commence the construction of avenues and the locating on them of 
tablets marking the positions of troops. 

Various communications, copies of which were promptly trans- 



8 GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 

mitted to the Secretary of War, passed between the commissioners 
and the president of the electric railway, Mr. Hoffer. The position 
assumed by the commission, under the guidance of the Secretarj' 
of War, resulted in a suspension of the work upon the electric road 
at the parts the occupation of which had been objected to by the 
representatives of the Secretary of War. While all has not been 
accomplished that the commissioners desired in this connection, they 
feel justified in expressing the opinion that the road will eventually 
be removed from historic localities, at a small expense to the Govern- 
ment. 

The hearty sympathj' and cooperation of the Secretarj' of War in the 
efforts of the commission to remove the electric road from the occu- 
pation of the prominent parts of the battlefield has been a source of 
great satisfaction, and the board can not refrain from the mention of 
this fact. 

The work of the commission has been hampered bj' the expecta- 
tions of numerous people representing various interests, in their 
demands for high prices for land. Thus far their efforts have been 
unsuccessful, as shown b}' this report. 

RECOMMENDATIONS. 

For the purpose of purchasing- lands for avenues and marking the 
positions of troops embraced by the recent surveys, for the construc- 
tion and fencing of the avenues, and for the manufacture of tablets 
and other markers to mark the positions of troops it is recommended 
that a sum not less than $50,000 be appropriated. 

John P. Nicholson, 
John B. Bachelder, 
W. H. Forney, 

Commissioners. 
The Secretary of War. 



BLUE PRINTS ACCOMPANYING REPORT. 

1.— Crawford property. 

2.— Pfeffer, Codori, Benner, and adjoining properties. 

3. — Starner property. 

4. — Felix property. 

5.— Plank property. 

6. — Hancock avenue, etc. 

7.— Springs Hotel property, etc. 

8. — Codori property (part of). 

9. — Pfeflfer property. 
10. — Benner property. 

11,— Memorial Association property (part of), 
12,— Gettysburg Electric Railroad Company (part of). 

13.— A map of the vicinity of Gettysburg, showing the work of the engineer 
corps of the United States Gettysburg Battlefield Commission from July 26 to 
November 1, 1893. 

14.— Map showing the avenues secured, upon which are located the brigades of 
infantry and battalions of artillery engaged in the battle of Gettysburg. 



ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK 
COMMISSION TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR, 1894. 



War Department, 
Gettysburg Battlefield Commission, 

Gettysburg, Pa., November 12, 189 J^. 

Sir: The commission have the honor to submit their second an- 
nual report from October, 1893, to November 12, 1894. The blue 
prints taken from maps of original work projected by this commis- 
sion, survej^ed and completed and which are numerous, will be bound 
together and transmitted to the Secretary of War. 

It is the policy of the commission to make the report one of prog- 
ress. 

From the date of the. last report field work was continued until the 
beginning of snow, and also at intervals through the winter. Active 
operations in the field were resumed in March and have been con- 
tinued to this date. 

The work of the engineer department of the commission has been 
pei'formed with great fidelity under the guidance of Bvt. Lieut. 
Col. E. B. Coj)e and Mr. S. A. Hammond, his able assistant, and in- 
cludes a large amount of surveying and mapping of tracts of land 
for avenues, laying out, leveling, cross-sectioning, preparing maps 
and specifications of the avenues proposed and j)rojected and sections 
of avenues for the use of contractors. 

Attention has been given to surveys to harmonize conflicting j^rop- 
erty lines where the property bounded b}' one or more of such lines 
was about to be purchased for the United States; also careful sur- 
veys and maj)s of the present loop of the Gettysburg Electric Rail- 
road have been prei)ared for the use of the Government. 

A scheme for the complete and exhaustive topographical study of 
the field was begun last year and has been kept in view and con- 
tinued whenever time and opportunity afforded, as follows: To make 
an accurate and complete instrumental survey of the entire battle- 
field, and to make it on a scale of 200 feet to the inch, consisting of 
25 sheets, 27 by 284^ inches, each representing a square of the field 
5,400 feet wide east and west and 5,660 feet north and south. 

This map is intended to show the streams, roads, buildings of every 
description, monuments and markers, avenues, timber, earthworks, 
stone walls, fence lines, and rocks; all the undulations will be shown 
by contour lines for every 4 feet difference of level. Much of tliis work 
actually done will appear by implication. Survey's have already been 
finished for three sheets. The proper mapping of the balance of the 
field work will engage the attention of the cor])s during the inclement 
winter weather. The office has also included bf^sides original work 

9 



10 GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 

copies of the large Warren map. During the past 3'ear a number of 
positions of troops have been marked by visitors to the field who were 
soldiers and took part in the battle, and where these positions were 
reliable thej^ were located upon our base map. 

On August 11 General Lewis, Colonel Tate, and Colonel Keenan, of 
North Carolina, visited the battlefield and located the position of 
many of the North Carolina troops. Gen. H. Ileth, late of the Con- 
federate States Army and of the Antietam Battlefield Commission, 
visited the field and located the position of the two batteries of his 
command from which the first shots were fired and that opened the 
battle upon the Confederate line. 

On October 30 a committee of the Seventh West Virginia Infantry 
located their battle line on the Pfeffer property, near Ziegler's Grove. 

It is the intention of the board of commissioners to address a com- 
munication to the governor of all the States, requesting them to name 
representatives of the organizations that were j)resent, for the j)ur- 
pose of locating every movement made by troops during the battle. 

One principal Confederate avenue has been decided ujion. It reaches 
from the Hagerstown road to a point 2,470 feet beyond the Emmits- 
burg road, upon the ridge occupied by the main line of the Confeder- 
ate army during the 2d and 3d of July, 1863. It has been divided 
into five sections. Section 4 is under contract and will be completed 
this early winter. Section 5 is also under contract. 

It was found from the surveys made that an avenue 500 feet wide 
would include all the Confederate earthworks from the Hagerstown 
road to the Codori line, a distance of 3,500 feet. From this line south 
to the Wheatfield road an avenue 150 feet wide would embrace the 
principal works, except those that were located in Spanglers Woods. 
This part of the avenue would be 9,931 feet long, and the avenue 
between the extreme points named would contain 74 acres of ground. 
A calculation of the area of the avenue for difi'erent widths between 
the extreme points is as follows: 

Acres. 

60 feet wide, 18.341 feet long 18i 

100 feet wide, 13,341 feet long -_ -.31 

150 feet wide, 13,341 feet long. 46^ 

The iH'incipal avenue has been divided into five sections: 

Section 1, from Blocher's house to the Codori line, 3,700 feet. 

Section 2, from Codori line to Spanglers Run, 3,700 feet. 

Section 3, from Spanglers Run to Wheatfield rOad, 4,800 feet. 

Section 4, from Wheatfield road to Emmitsburg road, 3,700 feet. 

Section 5, from Emmitsburg road to present end of avenue, 2,470 
feet. 

.On April 11 drawings and specifications for bids on section 4 of 
avenue were furnished to the following contractors: L. E. Miller, 
Cape May, N. J. ; R. W. Johnson, Wayne, Pa. ; U. & T. E. Farrell, 
Westchester, Pa. ; Patricinus McManus, Philadelphia, Pa. ; James 
P. Mangen, Gettysburg, Pa. ; B. B. Gonder, Strausburg, Pa. ; Pollard, 
Murtagh & Moore, Philadelphia, Pa. ; Ward & Strieker, Harrisburg, 
Pa. ; Hafer Brothers, Chambersburg, Pa. ; Owen Patterson, Baltimore, 
Md. ; Slayer & Boyer, Harrisburg, Pa. 

From the 13th to the 21st of April a majority of those having 
received specifications for section 4 of the avenue visited Gettysburg 
for the iDurpose of viewing the locality, and were taken over the 
ground, and on the 21st five bids were handed in, namely. Slayer & 



GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 11 

Boyer, Harrisburg, Pa. ; B. B. Gonder, Strausburg, Pa. ; Farrell & 
Bro., Westchester; Pa.; Richard W. Johnson, Wayne, Pa., and P. 
McManus, Philadelphia, Pa. 

On October 1 two bids were received for the construction of section 
5 of avenue. These were opened on the 3d instant and considered by 
the commission. 

During the year the following properties have been jjurchased by 
direction of the Secretary of War: The Bushman tract or farm, the 
Crawford tract, the Charles Starner tract, the Felix tract, the Mrs. 
Plank tract. 

The Secretary of War has authorized the purchase of the McMillan 
tract and the Blocher tract. 

All efforts to induce the Gettysburg Electric Railroad to vacate the 
lines of battle in what is known as the Loop, the Devil's Den, and 
through the Valley of Death having failed, the commissioners 
requested the Secretary of War to proceed to condemn. Proceed- 
ings were commenced in the United States circuit court at Philadel- 
phia. After various delays, on June 8, 1894, the Attorney-General 
of the United States directed proceedings to be commenced against 
the electric railway at Gettysburg, under the joint resolution of 
Congress. 

August 1, 1894, the first hearing before the jury in the trolley case 
was postponed at the request of the electric railroad until September 
11, 1894. On September 11, 1894, there was a second hearing before 
the jury at Gettysburg, and which was continued until September 15, 
1894, when they adjourned for argument in Philadelphia. The jurj^ 
awarded the sum of 130,000 damages to the electric company. Upon 
November 12 the company appealed from this award as being inade- 
quate, and the commission will appeal, with the approval of the Sec- 
retary of War, upon the ground that the damages are excessive and 
detrimental to the best interests of the United States. 

On January 16, 1894, General Forney died at his home, Jackson- 
ville, Ala. March, 1894, Maj. William M. Robbins, of Statesville, N. C, 
whose service upon the field was with the Fourth Alabama Infantry, 
was appointed by the Secretary of War to fill the vacancj^ occasioned 
by the death of General Forney. 

At the annual meeting of the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Asso- 
ciation a resolution was unanimously adopted, authorizing the exec- 
utive committee to take the necessary measures to transfer the prop- 
erty of the association to the United States. 

The commission respectfully request that the following may be sub- 
mitted, with the approval of the Secretary of War, for the guidance 
of the Congress : 

For continuing the work of surveying, locating, and preserving the 
lines of battle at Gettysburg, Pa., and for purchasing, opening, con- 
structing, and improving avenues along the portions occupied b}' the 
various commands of the armies of the Potomac and Northern Vir- 
ginia on that field, and for fencing the same; and for the purchase, 
at. private sale or by condemnation, of such parcels of land as the Sec- 
retary of War may deem necessary for the sites of tablets, and for 
the construction of the said avenues; for determining the leading 
tactical positions and properly marking the same with tablets of bat- 
teries, regiments, brigades, divisions, corps, and other organizations 
with reference to the study and correct understanding of the battle, 
each tablet bearing a brief historical legend, compiled without praise 



12 GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 

and without censure, $50,000, to be expended under the direction of 
the Secretary of War. 

And the Secretary of War is hereby authorized to accept, on behalf 
of the United States, donations of land for road or other purposes. 

On November 3, 18t»3, the field was visited by the Secretary of War 
and Mrs. Lamont. On Juh-14 and 15, 1804, and again on August 14, 
15, and 16, the Assistant Secretary of War, Joseph B. Doe, visited 
the field. The great interest always manifested l)y the War Depart- 
ment in the work of preserving the great battlefield of the war is 
extremely gratifying to the board. 
Respectfully, 

John P. Nicholson, 
Wm. M. Robbins, 

Coniinissioners. 
The Secretary of War. 



LIST OF BLUE PRINTS ACCOMPANYING THIS REPORT. 

15.— The Crawford property. 

16. — The Crawford property. 

32. — New map of the field, central sheet. 

24. — Confederate avenue. 

25. — Confederate avenue, section 4. 

36.— John L. Sherfy tract. 

27.— William Martin tract. 

38.— Electric raih-oad tract. 

39.— J. O. Blocher tract. 

30. — Israel,Grenoble tract. 

31. — Land company tract. No. 1. 

32.— S. J. Drum tract. 

33,-0. D. McMillan tract. 

34. — Land company tract, No. 2. 

35.— Barrett, heirs, tract. 

36. — Electric railroad tract. 

37.— R. E. Wible tract. 

38.— George Wolf tract. 

39. — John L. Sherfy tract. 

40.— N. Flaharty tract. 

41.— W. Martin tract. 

42. — G. Spangler tract. No. 1. 

43. — Land company tract. No. 4. 

44. — G. Spangler tract, No. 2. 

45. — S. J. Codori tract. 

46. — Land company tract, No. 3. 

47. — Confederate avenue, section 5. 

48. — Plank and other properties. 

50. — Positions of Confederate artillery. 

5L — Positions of Confederate artillery. 

52.— Electric railroad tract. 

52A. — Electric railroad tract. 

52B. — Electric railroad tract. 

53. — Electric railroad loop. 

53A.— Electric railroad loop. 

54. — A tract of land for the Bnford statue. 

55. — The site for the Reynolds monument. 

56. — Property lines between Starner, Plank, and Wible. 

57.— Mrs. J. E. Plank tract. 

58, — Detail drawings of gun carriages. 

59. — Drawings of mounted gun. 

60.— John L. Sherfy tract. 

61. — A sui'vey of the Wible farm. 



GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. IS 

62.— James Felix tract. 

68.— George Wolf tract. 

64.— O. D. McMillan tract. 

65.— S. J. Drum tract. 

66. — New map of the field. Peach Orchard sheet. 

67.— New maiJ of the field, Round Top sheet. 

LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS TO ACCOMPANY COMMISSIONERS' REPORT. 

Laying foundation stone on section 4 , Confederate avenue. 
Cross section foundation pavement, section 4, Confederate avenue. 
Putting 1 A-inch stone on section 4, Confederate avenue. 
Section 4, Confederate avenue, from Emmitsburg road. 
Grading section 5, Confederate avenue, Emmitsburg road. 
Grading on section 5, Confederate avenue. 



ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK" 
COMMISSION TO THE SECRETARY OF AVAR, 1895. 



AVAR Department, Gettysburg National Park, 

Gettysburg, Pa., October 25, 1895. 

Sir: The Gettysburg National Park Commission respectfully sub- 
mit the following- statement of the progress and present condition of 
the work: 

MILITARY avenues. 

At the date when our report as the Battlefield Commission was 
made last year the only roadway in process of construction was sec- 
tion 4 of the Confederate avenue, from the Wheatfleld road to the 
Emmitsburg road along Seminary Ridge. During the present year 
there have been constructed sections 5, G, and 7 of Confederate ave- 
nue extending south from the Emmitsburg road to the southern limits 
of the battlefield, thence eastward crossing Plum Run, and up along 
the west slope of Round Top to Kilpatrick avenue; also an avenue 
known as United States avenue from the Emmitsburg road eastward 
via the Trostle House to Hancock avenue. There is now being con- 
structed what is known as Seminary avenue, running south from the 
Chambersburg pike along Seminary Ridge to some distance beyond 
the Hagerstown road, and as soon as the right of way can be secured 
this avenue will be extended along said ridge to the Wheatfleld road 
and connect with section 4 of Confederate avenue, long since com- 
pleted. Hancock avenue, which runs from the national cemetery 
gate southward along the main Union line of battle to the end of 
United States avenue, is now being converted into a Telford road 25 
feet wide, with two side loops 20 feet wide reaching out to interesting 
localities. 

An avenue is also under contract running from the Wheatfleld road 
south on the border of the Valley of Death to the Devil's Den, and 
thence around and following the line of battle of the Third Corps to 
the Crawford land line. 

All these avenues have been and are being constructed on the Tel- 
ford system, which was adopted after full consideration and study of 
the subject as promising the best results in solidity and durabilit}". 
The stone used is syenitic granite and ironstone, very hard and of excel- 
lent quality. A foundation pavement is laid of 8-inch wedgelike stones 
set on edge and well knapped and cliinked; on this 4 inches of stone 
1^ inches in size ; then a slight layer of claj' as a binder, and flnally a 
top dressing of 1 or 2 inches of quarter-inch stone screenings; the 
whole rolled thoroughly with a steam roller weighing 14 tons; side and 
under drains are placed where needed. The results of the above 
method and process are roadwaj-s smooth and solid and which will 
last for generations. 

15 



10 GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITAHV TAKK COMMISSION. 

BRIDGES. 

Two bridges have been built (^'Cj'. P.kiin Run, one on United *Sfa^e*s^ 
avenue, the other on section 7, Confederate avenue. They air^' mas- \ 
sively built of (4ettysbui'.ii" granite, the fouiulalions deep, the sniper- 
structure of steel ()-iuch I bars weigh ins*; \r) p<ninds per foot, the road- 
way '2-2 fci't wide of ^i-inch oak plank, cap stones on the abutments, 
and railings of ii-on. j. 

ST^BIj- TOWERS. 

Four steel towers, to bo constructed upon a design prepared by t4W 
engineer. Col. K. 1). Cope, and approved by the conmussion, hav(\b'een 
contracted for and are now being erected by the Variety Iron Wtn-ks, 
of Clev(dand, Ohio. No. 1 is OO feet high and stands on tlu^ summit 
of I>ig Kound Top; No. 2 is 75 feet high, on Seuiinary Ridge, near the 
"NVheatlield road; No. 3, 75 feet high, is on Senunary Ridge, near the 
]\rummasbui'g road, and overlooks specially the scene of the first day's 
fight; No. 4, 00 feet high, is on the summit of Cnlp\s Hill. Nos. land 2 
are neai"ly finished, and all four will he completed within a month. 

FENC^ING. 

Besides a large amount of stone fencing repaii'cd and rebuilt along 
battle lines of both ai'unes as it stood at the time of tlie battle, the 
conmussion arc having consti-ucted a fence along the couipleted ave- 
nues wherever needed, with gates at proper locations, 'i'liis fence is 
composed of round locust posts, iron cai)ped, witli four galvanized 
1-inch gas pipes for the railings, M'ith two No. S galvauized wii't'S iu the 
k)wer intervals. The whole is over i\ feet high, ^ery strong and 
handsome. 

GUN CARRIAGES. 

The volunteer batteries of the Union Army on the grounds of the 
Meuu)rial Association are generally i-epi-esented by one gun and 
mounted ui)on inferior carriages. This commission resolved to sub- 
stitute an iui[)roved iron gnu carriage. Sixty-two new cari-iages have 
been contracted for. Of these about 'M> have been furnished by the 
contractor aud placed on the lield and mounted with the kind of gun 
used by each battery, respectively, in the battle. The others will be 
put in i)osition as soon as supplied by the contractor. Excellent 
granite foundation stones support each carriage. The following have 
already been placed on the Union lines, viz: 

One carriage and 10- pound Parrott (Knap's BatterjO, Culp's Hill. 

One carriage, Napoleon gun. on Barlows Knoll. ' 

Three carriages and U)-pound Parrotts on Little Round Top. 

Six carriages and o-inch rifles (Ricketts's Battery), on East Cemetery Hill. 

Three carriages and Napoleon guns (Stewart's Battery) , on East Cemetery Hill. 

Three carriages and ;J-incli rides (right of Ricketts's Battery) . on East Cemetery 
Hill. 

Three carriages and ;!-inch ritles (Wiedrich'sNew York Batterv), on East Ceme- 
tery Hill. 

All of these guns on East Cemeteiy Hill ()ccu])y redoubts used by 
said batteries in the battle. 

On the Confederate lines the following have been placed to mark 
positions of batteries, viz: 

One cai'riage and Confederate Napoleon gun (Taylor's Battery), section 4, Con- 
federate avenue. 
One carriage and ;3-inch rifle (Parker's Battery), section 4, Confederate avenue. 



GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK CONMISSION. 17 

One carriage and 3-inch rifle (Jordan's Battery), section 4, Confederate avenue. 

Two carriages and 20-pound Parrotts (Woolfolk's Battery), section 4, Confed- 
erate avenue. 

(The above belonged to Alexander's Battalion.) 

One carriage and howitzer (section Carlton's Battery), section 4, Confederate 
avenue. 

One carriage and 3-inch rifle (Manly's North Carolina Battery), section 4, Con- 
federate avenue. 

One carriage and 10-pound Parrott (section Carlton's Battery), section 4, Con- 
federate avenue. 

One carriage and 10-pound Parrott (McCarthy's Battery) , section 4, Confederate 
avenue. 

One carriage and 3-inch rifle (Frasers Battery), section 4, Confederate avenue. 

(These belonged to Cabell's Battalion.) 

One carriage and Napoleon gun f Latham s North Carolina Battery), section 5, 
Confederate avenue. 

One carriage and Napoleon gun (Garden's South Carolina Battery), section 5, 
Confederate avenue. 

One carriage and 10-pound Parrott (Bachman's South Carolina Battery), section 
5, Confederate avenue. 

One carriage and Napoleon gun (section Reilly's North Carolina Battery), sec- 
tion 5, Confederate avenue. 

Two carriages and 3-inch rifles (section Reillys North Carolina Battery), sec- 
tion (i. Confederate avenue, 

(These belonged to Henry's Battalion.) 

POSITIONS AND MOVEMENTS OF TROOPS. 

The position and evolutions of the various eomniands of the Union 
Armj^ were mostly determined and marked by the ^Memorial Associa- 
tioii. But those of the Confederate army remained for the commis- 
sion to ascertain and locate. Much attention has been given to this. 
Surviving Confederate officers and soldiers have been invited to visit 
the held; also the authorities of the Southern States have been re- 
quested to send commissioners representing Confederate commands to 
point out positions. The responses from the South to these invitations 
and requests have been very encouraging, and the commission have had 
the aid of many Confederate soldiers of intelligence, some of high rank, 
in fixing positions and movements of Confederate troops. Additions 
to our information on these points are being constantly made. All 
positions ascertained are, of course, carefully noted on our topograph- 
ical maps, as Avell as upon tlie field, so that they can not be lost. With- 
out going into particulars, the commission feel sure that they will be 
able within a reasonable period to determine and mark with ver}' great 
accuracy the positions and evolutions of all the various commands of 
the Confederate army on this field. 

THE commission's NEW MAP OF THE BATTLEFIELD. 

Owing to numerous and important engineering operations for the 
construction of avenues, bridges, towers, etc., for determining the 
boundaries of properties and office work for the immediate use of 
the commission, the engineer corps have been unable to complete 
their battlefield survey and map projected to show every detail of the 
field, for which a large amount of data has already been collected. 
They hope to be able ere long to bring this work to completion. The 
sheets already completed have been found to be of much value for 
reference and are in constant requisition. The commission will not 
now attempt to specify in detail all the work of the engineer. Col. 
856'J 2 



18 GETTYSBUKG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 

E. B. Cope, and his assistants, but the same has been very extensive 
and varied and in the highest degree satisfactory. 
Respectfully submitted. 

John P. Nicholson, 
AVm. M. Robbins, 
C. A. Richardson, 
The Secretary of War. Conunissioners. 



BLUE-PRINT MAPS ACCOMPANYING THE REPORT. 

68. — United States corner stone. 

69. — Regimental tablets. 

70. — Tract of Henry Spangler. 

7L— Tract of J. L. Sherfv. 

72.— Tract of W, H. Martin. 

73. — Section 6, Confederate avenue. 

74. — Section 7, Confederate avenue. 

75. — Codori Grove. 

76. — College lane. 

77.— Tract No. 8. J. L. Sherfy. 

78. — Sections 1, 2. and 8, Confederate avenue. 

79. — A public road. 

80.— United States Regular avenue. 

81.— Tract of Maria Shultz. 

82.— Plan of bridge. 

83.— Plan of 7.')-foot tower. 

84.— Tract of S. J. Drum. 

85. — Drawing of 60- foot tower. 

86. — 14.2 miles of jjublic roads. 

87.— Tract of William H. Tipton. 

88. — Tract No 5, land company. 

89. — Tract No. 1, land company. 

90. — Tract No. 2, land company. 

91.— Tract No. 8. J. L. Sherfy. 

92.— Tract of Martin Winter. 

93.— Tract of H. C. Parsons. 

94. — Tract of Robert Sheads. 

95.— Tract of C. F. Starner. 

96.— Perspective view of tower. 

97.— Tract of the Twenty-first Cavalry. 

98.— Seminary lane. 

99. — Drawing of 75-foot tower, 
loo.— Seminary lane, 
lot.- Plan of gate. 
102. — Plan of fence. 
103.— Centerpiece of gate. 
l04.— Plan of gate. 
105. — Plan of gate. 

106.— Tract of land of Fifth New .Jersey. 
107. — Tract of land of Twenty sixth Pennsylvania. 
108.— Tract of land of Sixth Pennsylvania. 
109. — Tract of land of Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania. 
1 1 0.— Tract of land of Knap's Battery. 
111.— Tract of laud of Tenth Maine. 

Il2. — Tract of land of One hundred and thirty-sixth New York. 
113.— Tract of land of First New York Artillery. 
114. — Tract of land of Seventy-seventh New Y^ork. 
la 5.— Tract of land of Fifty-fifth New Y'ork. 
116.— Tract of land of Fourth Ohio. 

117. — Tract of land of One hundred and twenty-fifth New York. 
118.— Tract of land of Third New Y^ork. 
119. — Tract of land of First New Jersey Cavalry. 
120.— Tract of land of Third Pennsvlvania Battery. 
121.— Tract of land of Tenth New York Cavalry. 
122. — Tract of land of Fourth New Jersey, marker. 
123. — Tract of land of One hundred and fifty-third Pennsylvania. 



GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION 19 

124. — Tract of land of Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalrv. 

125.— Tract of land of Eighth ( )hio. 

126. — Tract of land of United States avenue. 

127. — Iract of land of United States avenue. 

128. — United States corner stone. 

129. — Sicliles and Crawford avenues. 

J 30. — Hancock and Sedgwick avenues. 

131.— Foundation stones. 

132. — Seminary Lane avenue. 

133.— Fence No. 2, Gilbert. 

134. — Barn at headquarters. 

135. — Wire fence. 

13G. — Wire fence. 

137. — Tract of C. Gilbert. 

138.— Tract of Maria Shultz. 

139. — Tract of Jacob Benner. 

140. — Tract of Seminary lane. 

141. — Drawing of gate and fence. 

142. — Drawing of shells used m the battle. 

143. — Drawing of 13-inch shells. 

144. — Tract of United States property. 

145.— Tract of James Felix. 

146. — Tract of United States iiroperty. 

147. — Wilkeson's Battery. 

148. — Train schedule. 

149. — Hancock avenue. 

150. — Tract of Bair and Gilbert. 

151.— Tract of Pfefifer. 

152.— Tract of Basil Biggs. 

153.— Tract of F. Pfefifer. 

154.— Tract of D. J. Benner. 

155. — Tract of L. Leister. 

156^.— Tract of B. Biggs. 

157. — Tract of L. Hummelbaugh. 

158.— Tract of S. Codori. 

159.-^Tract of W. Patterson. 

160.— Tract of G. Weikert. 

161.— Tract of P. D. Swisher. 

162.— Tract of J. Felix. 

163. — Boundary lines borough of Gettysburg. 

164. — Tract of the JMemorial Association. 

165. — Site of General Meade's statue. 

166. — Tract of the Memorial Association. 

167. — Tract of the Memorial Association. 

LIST OF PHOTOGKAPHS TO ACCOMPANY COMMISSIONERS' REPORT. 

View on section 7, Confederate avenue— the Devil's Slipper.- 

Section 7, looking east. Round Top in the distance. 

Grading roadbed, section 1, Confederate avenue. 

Rolling subgrade, section 1 . Confederate avenue. 

Foundation work of roadway on Seminary avenue, looking north. 

A view of Ricketts s Battery, F and G, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, East 

Cemetery Hill. 
First New York Light Battery I, East Cemetery Hill. 
Side view, Bridge No. 1. 

Perspective view of Bridge No. 1 on United States avenue. 
Stewart's battery. Fourth United States, East Cemetery Hill. 
A view of Cooper's Battery, B, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, East Cemetery 

A section of Reillv's Battery, C. S. A., on section 6, looking toward Little Round 

Top. 
View on section 6, looking east, Round Top in the distance. 
Old cast-iron gun carriage, formerly used to mark the field. 
A view of avenue, section 5, looking north. 
A view of section 5, looking south. 
A view of Confederate avenue, section 7, looking soiith from near the entrance of 

Kilpatrick avenue. 
A view of Confederate avenue, section 7, looking north. 
A view of avenue, section 4, looking north, showing the fence constructed by the 

commission on one side and the stone wall rebuilt on the other. 



ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK 
COMMISSION TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR, 1896. 



War Department, 
Gettysburg National Park, 

Gettysburg, Pa., October 21, 1896. 
Sir: The Gettysburg National Park Commissiou respectfully sub- 
mit the following report of the progress and present condition of the 
work : 

military avenues. 

Since our report of 1895 the Telford road, known as Seminary ave- 
nue, and section 1 of Confederate avenue, running from the Chambers- 
burg i^ike southward along Seminary Ridge as far as the Government 
at present owns the rig-ht of way there, has been completed; like- 
wise Hancock avenue, which runs from the national cemeter}' gate 
southward along the main Union line of battle to the east end of 
United States avenue, and also Sickles avenue, which runs from the 
Emmitsburg road near the Rogers house southeastward, via the Loop 
and the Wheatfield, to the Devil's Den. Slocum avenue, which fol- 
lows the battle lines over Gulp's Hill, is in course of construction and 
nearly completed. Tlie whole length of Telford avenues which have 
been constructed by our commission is 7^ miles. The United States 
avenue crosses the field perpendicularly from east to west between the 
Union and Confederate lines. All the others follow closely the 
respective lines of battle. Of the Confederate avenue which follows 
the Confederate line of battle along Seminary Ridge and thence to 
Round Top, sections 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7, aggregating a distance of nearly 
3 miles, have been completed. Sections 2 and 3 of this Confederate 
avenue remain still unconstructed, solely because we have been unable 
to secure the right of way by purchase from the land owners. Pro- 
ceedings to condemn the needed lands .were delayed on account of a 
question having been raised in a similar case of ours as to the right 
of the Government to condemn land for such purposes, which neces- 
sitated an appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States. That 
court having adjudged such right to be constitutional, condemnation 
proceedings were at once instituted and are now pending in the cir- 
cuit court of the United States for the eastern district of Pennsyl- 
vania, and as soon as the right of way shall be thereby secured, sec- 
tions 2 and 3 of the Confederate avenue will be promptly constructed. 

marking the positions of troops. 

As the purpose of the National Government in taking charge of this 
field was not only to preserve its features as they existed at the time 
of battle and to make its many interesting points accessible by good 

21 



22 GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 

roads, but also to have the positions and evolutions of both the con- 
tending armies carefully ascertained and suitably marked, and as 
the positions of most of the Union troops had been x^reviously marked 
by monuments erected by different States at their own expense, under 
the supervision of the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association, 
our attention has been largely directed to what had been left mainly 
undone, to wit, fixing and marking the positions and movements of 
the Confederate troops and the United States Regulars. Since our 
last report we have marked the positions of the four batteries of Mcin- 
tosh's Artillery Battalion on Seminary Ridge along section 1 of the 
Confederate avenue, and we have placed an additional gun, making 
two, to each of twelve batteries belonging to Alexander's, Cabell's, 
and Henry's Artillery Battalions along sections 4, 5, and 6, Confeder- 
ate avenue. Our plan is to mark the position of each batter}^ by at 
least two guns like those which composed it and mounted on gun car- 
riages admirably resembling the usual wooden ones, but made of iron. 
Handsome tablets of iron, not only for each battery, but also for each 
command of infantry and cavalry, will stand along the main lines of 
battle, with brief inscriptions specifying the name of each command, 
its service in the battle, and referring to auxiliary and subordinate 
tablets so placed as to indicate successive movements during the con- 
flict. Much thought has been given to the preparation of these tab- 
lets and their inscriptions for the Confederate commands, so as to 
arrive at the utmost possible historic accuracy with regard to each 
one as well as perfect consistency and fairness among them as a whole. 
This is a work requiring great deliberation and painstaking, but we 
hope to accomplish it satisfactoril3^ 

The placing of the Confederate tablets along the main lines can 
only be completed when we shall have acquired the needed lands and 
completed the construction of the Confederate avenues along those 
lines, which we are doing as fast as practicable. During the past 
year we have also replaced all of the old inferior gun carriages which 
were formerly used for the Union batteries with our new iron ones, 
constructed as aforesaid, and we have mounted many additional guns 
to mark the jiositions of Union batteries, among the more notable of 
which are six 20-pounder Parrotts placed in the Citizen's Cemetery 
by leave of the proper authorities, to mark the positions of Taft's 
Battery. 

FENCING, ETC. 

In appropriate and needful places we have caused the avenues 
which have been made to be inclosed with the neat style of fence 
described in our last annual report, which, being made of iron-capped 
locust posts and four galvanized iron railings, is not only durable but 
is inconspicuous to the sight, and therefore does not mar the view of 
the field. All stone fences and walls Avhicli existed at the time of the 
battle and which are upon ground owned by the United States we 
have caused to be restored and put in j)roper condition, as also such 
breastworks and other defenses as were erected by either army. We 
have also caused great numbers of trees to be planted, so as to restore 
the forest on grounds which have been denuded of trees since the 
battle. The hurricane of last month destroyed many hundreds of 
trees on the battlefield, which we shall take measures to replace. 

OBSERVATORIES. 

The four steel towers which were in course of construction at the 
date of our last rejjort were completed soon thereafter. We have 



GETTYSBUKG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 23 

since caused another to be erected near the center of the field in 
Ziegler's Grove and not far from the point where the battle ended 
with the final grand but nnsiiccessfnl Confederate assault of the third 
day. These are all solid and well-built structures, and, located as they 
are, they aff'ord the observer a complete and satisfactory view of the 
entire scene of the great battle and enable him to get a consistent 
and accurate idea of it as a whole. 

We are happy to report that visitors in great iinmbers frojn all sec- 
tionsof our own country, as well as some from abroad, are constantly 
thronging these historic grounds and tracing out the complicated 
phases of the titanic struggle, with many expressions of their satis- 
faction at the wise plans of the National Government for making it 
plain and easily comprehended, and for preserving this field for the 
study of those w^ho are to come after us. 

John P. Nicholson, 
Wm. M. Robbins, 
C. A. Richardson, 

Cofiimissioners. 
The Secretary of War. 



LIST OF BLUE PRINTS TO ACCOMPANY COMMISSIONERS' REPORT. 

16S. — A man showing the scene of Longstreef s final assault on the Union lines at 
Gettysburg July 3, 186:?. 

169.— Plot of land tor the Seventy-third New York monument. 

170. — Trail of gun carriage for '30-pounder Parrott ritle. 

171. — Guns used in marking positions of batteries on the Gettysburg battlefield. 

172.— Property of the United States formerly belonging to M. Bushman estate. 

173. — Map showing location of trees, etc., in Ziegler's grove. 

174.— Plot of land belonging to the Gettysburg Water Company on which is 
erected the Twenty-fifth and Seventy-fifth Ohio monuments. 

175.— Plot of ground belonging to the estate of Samuel A. Whitney on which is 
erected Halls Second Maine Battery monument. 

176.— Plot of ground belonging to the estate of Samuel A. Whitney on which is 
erected the One hundred and forty-ninth Pennsylvania monument. 

177.— Tract of land belonging to the Gettvsbnrg Battlefield Memorial Associa- 
tion. Conveyed by Henry and Annie Gulp. 

178. — Tract of land belonging to the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Associa- 
tion. Conveyed by Samuel Bushman. 

179. — Plot of monument sites in Peach Orchard on the battlefield of Gettysburg. 

180. — Tract of land belonging to the United States Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial 
Association. Conveyed by Hart Gilbert. 

181. — Tract belonging to the United States Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Asso- 
ciation. Conveyed by Levi Weikert. 

182. — Tract belonging to the tJnited States Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Asso- 
ciation. Conveyed by Emanuel Weikert. 

183.— Tract belonging to the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Con- 
veyed by Henry Welty. 

184. — Tract belonging to the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Con- 
veyed by Levi Plank. 

185. — Tract belonging to the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Con- 
veyed by Emanuel Weikert. 

186. — Tract belonging to the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Con- 
veyed by Francis A. Althoff. 

187. — Gate of incli pipe. 

188. — Tract belonging to the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Con- 
veyed by John S. Forney. 

189. — Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed 
by George F. Basehoar. 

190.— A mounted Whitworth gun. 

191.— Tract belonging to John L. Sherfy on which is erected the First Vermont 
United States Sharpshooters monument. 



24 



GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 



192.- 

193. 

194. 

195.- 

196.- 

197.- 

198.- 
199. 

200.- 

201. 

202. 

203. 

204. 

205. 

206. 

207. 

208. 

209. 

210. 

211. 

212. 
213. 
214. 

215. 
216. 

217. 

218. 
219. 

220. 

221. 

222. 

223. 

224. 

225. 
226. 
227. 



—Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed 

by J. S. Forney. 
—Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed 

by Jeremiah Bender. 
—Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed 

by J. S. Forney. 
—Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed 

by J. A. Livers. 
—Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed 

by David Wills. 
—Tract belonging to Gettvsburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed 

by M. W. & J. W. Eicholtz. 
—Tract in Howard avenue taken from property of Alex. Spangler. 
—Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefiefd Memorial Association. Taken by 

condemnation proceedings from the poor directors of Adams County. 
—Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed 

by Leander Hummel baugh. 
—Tract of land conveyed by A. Spangler to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial 

Association. 
—Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed 

by Jacob Baker. 
—Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed 

by Alice Forney. 
—Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed 

by John Bender. 
—Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed 

by David Blocher. 
—Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed 

by David^Wills. 
—Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed 

by E. Han away. 
—Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed 

by Hugh Scott. 
—Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed 

by E. Menchy. 
—Tracts belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed 

by Samuel A. Whitney. 
—Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed 

by E. McPherson and John Kuhn. 
— Plan and elevation of harness house. 
—Proposed flagstaff. 

— Round Top tracts conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Associa- 
tion to United States of America. 
— Howard avenue tracts. 
— Neill avenue, conveyed by the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association 

to United States. 
— Culp's Hill tract, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association 

to United States of America. 
— Plan of Sickles avenue. 

—Oak Ridge property, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Associa- 
tion to United States of America. 
—Reynolds Woods and part of Reynolds avenue, conveyed by Gettysburg 

Battlefield Memorial Association to United States of America. 
— Reynolds avenue property No. 2, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield 

Memorial Association to the United States of America. 
—The Wheatfield and portion of Sickles avenue, conveyed by Gettysburg 

Battlefield Memorial Association to United States of America. 
— Buford avenue and a portion of Reynolds avenue, conveyed by the Gettys- 
burg Battlefield Memorial Association to the United States of America. 
—Hancock avenue, including George Weikert, L. Hummelbaugh, and L. 

Leister properties, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Asso- 
ciation to United States of America. 
— Althoff property, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association 

to United States of America. 
—Property in borough of Gettysburg, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield 

Memorial Association to United States of America. 
—Smith property, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association 

to United States of America. 



GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 25 

228. — Rose Grove, conve.yed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association to 

United btates of America. 
229. — East Cemetery Hill property, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial 

Association to United States of America. 
230. — Cavalry avenue propertj'. conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial 

Association to United States of America. 
231. — Plot of First New Jersey Battery A, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield 

Memorial Association to United States of America. 
232. — Plot of First Wisconsin monument. 

233. — Plot of One hundred and fourteenth and Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania. 
234. — One hundred and thirty-sixth New York monument plot. 
285. — Sixth Pennsylvania monument plot. 
236. — First Maine Cavalry plot. 
237.— Randolph's Battery E plot. 

238. — Guns used for marking position« of batteries. No. 2. 
2^9. — Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania monument plot. 
240. — Twenty- sixth Emergency Regiment monument plot. 
241. — Fifteenth Massachusetts monument plot. 
242.— First United States Sharpshooter monument plot. 
243. — Seventy- third New York monument plot. 
244. — One hundred and sixth Pennsylvania monument plot. 
245. — Sixty-third Pennsylvania monument plot. 
246. — Fifth New York Cavalry monument plot. 
247.— Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry monument plot. 
248. — First Massachusetts monument plot. 
249. — Twenty-seventh Indiana monument plot. 
250.— Tablet plot first shot fired. 

251. — A general map of all the lands of the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Asso- 
ciation which have been conveyed to the United States of America. 
252. — Round Top Park property of Gettysburg and Harrisburg Railroad. 
253. — Plot of tract of land belonging to John L. Sherfy, known as the Peach 

Orchard. 
254.— Property of W. H. Tipton. 
255. — Tract of land from property of George F, Basehoar forming part of Buford 

avenue. 
256.— United States property on the Gettysburg battlefield. 
257. — Plan of Observation Tower No. 5. 
258. — Plot of tract of land belonging to Amos Leister. 
259. — Entrance to Slocum avenue, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial 

Association to United States of America. 
260.— Plan of dedication stand. 
201. — Map showing the connections of the Gettysburg Electric Railroad on the 

Emmitsburg road. 
262. — Tract l)elonging to Gettysburg and Harrisburg Railroad Company. 
263. — Tracts of land belonging to William Patterson. 
264. — Tract of land belonging to Land and Improvement Comjjan}-. 
265.— Tract of land belonging to Henry Spangler. 
266. — Tract belonging to John L. Sherfy. 
267. — Tract belonging to Warren W. Hafer. 

268. — Tract belonging to Land and lnn)rovement Company on Seminary Ridge. 
269. — Ma]) showing tracts of land required on Seminary Ridge for the continued 

construction of Confederate avenue from Hagerstown road to Wheatfield 

road . 
270. — Plan of Slocum avenue. 
271. — Plan of Sedgwick avenue. 

272. — Cross section of Western Maryland Railroad cut. 
273. — Plan of barn on United States property (formerlj' Bushman). 
274. — Plan of Meade avenue. 
275. — Design for girder bridge. 

276. — Tract of land belonging to Florence and Georgianna Cunningham. 
277. — Tracings of the 200-foot scale Warren map, accompanying the report of 1896, 
278.— Title page. 
279.— Northwest corner, A-1. 
2h0.— Herr Tavern, A-2. 
281.— North Middle, A-3. 
282.— Novtli Rock Creek, A-4. 
283.— Northeast corner, A-5. 
284. — South of northwest corner, B-1. 



26 GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 

28o.— Medicinal Spring, B-2. 

286,— West Gettysburg, B-3. 

287.— East Gettysburg. B-4. 

288. — Hanover road, B-5. 

289.— Black Horse Tavern. C-1. 

290.— Middle Willoughby Run, C-2. 

291. — Field of Longstreets assault, C-8. 

292.— Gulp's Hill, C-4. 

293.— Wolf Hill, C-5. 

294.— Marsh Creek, D-1. 

29o. — Pitzer"s Schoolhouse, D-2. 

296.— Peach Orchard and Wheatfield, D-3. 

297.— Power's Hill, D-4. 

298. — East Baltimore pike, D-5. 

299. — Southwest corner, E-1. 

300.— South Einmitsburg road, E-2. 

201.— The Round Tops and Devil's Den, E-3. 

302.— South Taney town road, E-4. 

303.— South Rock Creek, E-j. 

LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS TO ACCOMPANY COMMISSIONERS" REPORT. 

Confederate avenue, section 7, tower. Big Round Top. 

Entrance to Hancock avenue, Ziegler's Grove. 

Hancock avenue, south, toward Bryan House. 

Hancock avenue, tower, Bryan House. 

Hancock avenue. Eleventh New York Independent Battery. 

Hancock avenue, loop at the angle. 

Hancock avenue, north to high-water mark. 

Hancock avenue at intersei'tion of Pleasonton avenue. 

Intsrsection United States avenue and Hancock avenue. 

United States avenue, from Trostle House. 

Entrance to Sickles avenue, Emmitsburg road. 

Crossing of United States and Sickles avenues. 

Sickles avenue, woods west of Wheatfield. 

Sickles avenue, across Wheatfield. 

Sickles avenue at Smith's Battery, Fourth New York. 

Sickles avenue west of Devil's Den. 

Tower, Confederate avenue, section 4. 

Entrance to Slocum avenue. 

Slocum avenue, Stevens Knoll. 

Stevens's Fifth Maine Battery, E, Slocum avenue. 

Slocum avenue— section of Stevens's Fifth Maine Battery. 

Slocum avenue at entrance to woods, Culp's Hill. 

TowerandKnaps Battery. E. Pennsylvania Lght Artillery, summit of Culp's Hill. 

Slocum avenue, graded roadbed. 

Slocum avenue, graded roadbed. 

Terminus of Slocum avenue , near Spanglers Spring. 

Reynolds Grove after storm of September oO, 1896. 

Reynolds Grove after storm of September 30, L89(3. 

Reynolds Grove after storm of September 30, 1896. 

Big Round Top near tower, after storm of September 30, 1896. 

Big Round Top after storm of September 30. 489(7. 

Big Round Top after storm of September ;;0, 189o. 

Little Round Top after storm of September 30, 1896. 

Little Round Top after storm of September 30, 1896. 

Grove south of Wheatfield after storm of September 30, 1896. 

Grove south of Wheatfield after storm of September 30, 1896. 

Ciilp's Hill near Seventieth and One hundred and second New York monument 

after storm of September 30, 1896. 
Culp's Hill, Sixty-sixth Ohio monument after storm of September 30. 1896. 
Culp's Hill near Knap's Battery after storm of September 30, 1896. 
Culp's Hill after storm of September 30, 1896. 



ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK 
COMMISSION TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR, 1897. 



War Department, 
Gettysburg National ^Iilitary Park, 

Gettysburg, Fa., October 2r>, 1S97. 

Sir: The Gettysburg National Park Commission respectfully sub- 
mit the following- report of the progress and present condition of their 
work, with some suggestions of their plans for the future: 

MILITARY AVENUES. 

Since the last report Slocum avenue, then under construction, has 
been completed. It leads from the Baltimore pike at the base of Ease 
Cemetery Hill over the summit of Culp'sHill to its southeastern base 
at Spanglers Spring, closely following and marking the main battle 
line of the right wing of the Union Array. 

Sedgwick, Sykes, and Meade avenues have been surveyed, con- 
tracted for, and completed. Sedgwick avenue leads from the southern 
end of Hancock avenue to the northern base of Little Round Top, 
following the Sixth Corps line on that part of the field; and Sykes 
avenue leads over the summit of Little Round Top, following the 
Fifth Corps line there, and continues on until it connects with the 
Confederate avenue, section 7, on the western slope of Big Round 
Top. Meade avenue leads from General Meade's headquarters on the 
Taney town road to Hancock avenue, at the point where the Confed- 
erate assault of the third day culminated. 

That section of Crawford avenue which leads from DeviFs Den north- 
ward through the Valley of Death to the Wheatfleld road, including 
a bridge over Plum Run, is being rapidly pushed and will be com- 
pleted before December ol, 1897. 

All these avenues, like those previously built by the commission on 
this field, are constructed on the Telford system and are substantial 
and durable. Wherever along their sides there are sloping banks, 
these are turfed or set with grass; the gutters are well paved with 
stones, and, wherever needful at short curves, low granite pillars, 
topped with 13-ineh shells, have been set on the edge of the avenues 
to prevent careless driving off the roadway. 

Hancock avenue has been widened to 100 feet by purchasing the nec- 
essary ground on each side and erecting along its borders an excellent 
standard fence. 

Much yet remains to be done here in the construction of avenues 
and roadways. Two miles of the Confederate avenue on Seminary 
Ridge, along the l:)attle line of HilFs Corps on second and third days, 
have not yet been constructed because the Government did not possess 



28 GETTYSBUEG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 

the right of way. After diligent efforts to secure this bj^ purchase at 
reasonable figures from the land owners, but without success, proceed- 
ings for condemning the needed lands were begun in the circuit court 
of the United States for the eastern district of Pennsylvania and are 
still pending there. A jury of view was appointed, inspected the lands, 
heard testimony, and made report fixing prices for the lands; but the 
jDroprietors ajapealed, and the case stands for trial. It will doubtless 
be decided at the spring term, and we hope then to push that avenue 
to completion. It will connect the two parts of Confederate avenue 
already built at the northern and southern ends of Seminarj^ Ridge 
and make a complete and splendid avenue along the whole front of 
Hill's and Longstreet's corps from the Chambersburg pike southward 
and eastward to the slopes of Round Top, a distance of over 5 miles. 
One or more bridges must be built along it over the streams Avhich cut 
through the ridge. 

There is need for important improvements upon the- avenues on the 
cavahy field 3 miles east of the town and for more substantial fencing 
about those avenues and grounds. Moreover, the Confederate posi- 
tions on that field are as yet entirely unmarked, and the commission 
is anxious to have sufiicient provision made to enable them at an early 
day to secure the needed lands, erect tablets, and mount batteries, so 
as to show the lines and evolutions of the Confederate forces there. 
Among the other avenues which are now but rough, narrow, and 
unsightl}' ways, scarcely passable, and need to be converted into Tel- 
ford roads, we may mention AVright avenue, leading from the gap 
between the Round Tops southeaster]}^ across the Tanej^town road 
along the line of the left division of the Sixth Corps; Pleasonton ave- 
nue, from Hancock avenue eastward by the cavalry headquarters to 
the Tanej'town road; and the return avenue on Culp's Hill, from 
Spangler's spring westward along the southern base of that hill, mark- 
ing the battle line where the Union forces formed in the earl}- morning 
of July 3 and advanced for the recovery of their position captured b}" 
the Confederates the evening before. 

The Reynolds, Buford, and Ho^yard avenues on the first day's field 
are dirt roads, located by the Memorial Association, and often in bad 
condition. Thej^ mark the lines of the First and Eleventh coi'ps and 
of the Union cavalry, and greatly need to be improved, either on the 
Macadam or Telford plan, and a substantial bridge upon Reynolds 
avenue across the railroad cut, made historic by the conflict there, 
must be built soon, the old one constructed bj" the Memorial Associ- 
ation having become dangerous. 

There is urgent need for a new avenue leading from the southeastern 
base of Culp's Hill, across Rock Creek, to the extreme right flank of 
the Union and left flank of the Confederate forces, respectively, and 
this should be laid out with a view to its extension to the cavalry 
field, whither a good road is much needed. 

The public roads within the bounds of the park, radiating in everj" 
direction from the town, the substantial center of the battlefield, 
would serve as convenient routes by which to reach many interesting 
parts of it if they were kept in good condition; but they are gener- 
ally in a very unsatisfactory state and often well-nigh impassable. 

MARKING POSITIONS OF TROOPS. 

Under the supervision of the commission, the engineer, Lieut. Col. 
E. B. Cope, has noted on the field and marked upon the maps the 



GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 29 

positions of every command of botli armies wliicli lias been anthentic- 
ally fixed, and this embraces nearly all of them. The indication of 
all these positions by tablets and markers on the ground will proceed 
as rapidly as practicable, having in some cases to await the acquisi- 
tion of title to the land. 

During the year iron gun carriages have been procured, of the 
excellent pattern adopted by the commission, and guns have been 
mounted upon them, marking the jjositions of 19 Union batteries in 
various parts of the field. Additional gun carriages are needed soon, 
to be used for mounting guns marking the positions of 42 Confederate 
batteries in addition to those of the Confederates which have already 
been mai-ked and heretofoi-e reported. 

A monument to the Seventy-third New York Infantry, known as the 
"Fire Zouaves," was erected near Sickles avenue and the Peacli 
Orchard, and dedicated with appropriate ceremonies in September. 

The monument of thePMrst Minnesota Regiment, erected some years 
since, was dedicated, by the survivors of the regiment from that State, 
on July 2, 18!)7. 

The Thirteenth and Fourteenth Vermont regiments of Stannard's 
Brigade have recently sent committees here to fix the locations for 
the monuments which are to be erected to these commands. 

A commission from the State of Maine has recently verified the 
sites for tablets to be erected near Hancock avenue, showing the 
respective positions of the Third and Fourth Maine Regiments on the 
third day of the battle. 

We are glad to report that quite a number of Confederate veterans 
have visited here during the year for the purpose of viewing the 
battlefield and of locating and verifying the lines and positions of 
their commands. We interpret this as a favorable indication of grow- 
ing interest on the i^art of the Southern States and people in this field. 

in addition to the before-mentioned proceedings for condemning 
lands for the Confederate avenue on Seminary Ridge, there is also 
yet pending in the circuit court of the United States for the eastern 
district of Pennsylvania the proceeding* begun some time since for 
condemning part of the Gettysburg Electric Railroad line and remov- 
ing it from the military positions which it defaces on the battlefield. 
This case will probably be concluded ere long, and the amount of com- 
pensation which may be adjudged to said railroad company Avill then 
be payable. The amount awarded by the jury of view was '^30,000. 
This was appealed from by both sides. We trust the court's final 
judgment may reduce it. 

We will not encumber the report by attempting to specify the details 
of our work, nor the many minor expenses, aggregating a very con- 
siderable sum, which are necessarily incident to the prosecution of so 
great a design as the establishment of the Gettysburg National ]\Iili- 
tary Park. 

Feeling sure that it would be wise to appropriate $150,000 for this 
work for the next fiscal year, we respectfully recommend that amount. 

John P. Nicholson, 

WM. ]\r. ROBBINS, 

C. A. Richardson, 

Cum III 188 loners. 
The Secretary of War. 



30 GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 

BLUE PRINTS SUBMITTED WITH THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 

304. — Plan for piking the Taneytown road from borough line to Meade headquar- 
ters property. 

305. — Tract of land belonging to Basil Biggs and wife. 

306. — Tract of land belonging to William Patterson and wife. 

307. — Tract of land. No. 3. belonging to William Patterson and wife. 

308.— Tract of land belonging to Calvin P. Krise. 

309. — Cross-j^ection of avenue of Antietam battlefield. 

310.— Plan of Sedgwick and Sykes avenues and i)ortion of Kilpatrick avenue. 

311. — Map of United States national cemetry, showing the positions of batteries. 

313. — Gate, of inch pipe. 

813. — Fence, of inch pipe. 

314. — Plan of retaining wall along Sykes avenue. 

315. — Fence of steel tubing and steel wire cables, 

316. — Positions of the Thirteenth Vermont Regiment on the Gettysburg battlefield. 

317. — Plot of land belonging to Gettysburg Water Company, surrounding Twenty- 
fifth and Seventy-fifth Ohio monument. 

318. — Blocks in Hancock statue pedestal damaged by lightning July 7, 1897. 

319. — Map showing site of Seventy-third New York monument. 

320. — Plan to connect eciuestrian statue of General Hancock with the ground, to 
prevent injury from lightning. 

321. — Plan to connect equestrian statues with the ground, to prevent injury from 
lightning. 

322.— Gulp's Hill, C-4. 

323.— Medicinal Springs. B-2. 

PHOTOGRAPHS SUBMITTED WITH REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 

Entrance to East Cemetery Hill, showing General Hancock statue and walk. 

Paving in front of East Cemetery Hill. 

Entrance to Slocum avenue. 

Slocum avenue at Sixty-sixth Ohio monument. 

Retaining wall along Slocum avenue. 

Retaining wall along Slocum avenue from One hundred and fiftieth New York 

monument. 
Slocum avenue from Second Maryland C. S. A. 

Slocum avenue north from One hundred and twenty-third New York monument. 
Slocum avenue south from One hundred and twenty-third New York monument. 
The walk through Zieglers Grove, looking north. 

The walk through Ziegler's Grove, showing Butler's Second United States Battery, 
Sedgwick avenue from intersection of United States avenue. 
Sedgwick avenue north. 

Sedgwick avenue north from Wheatfield road. 
Sykes avenue, north side Little Round Top. 

Retaining wall along Sykes avenue, north side Little Round Top. 
Sykes avenue, summit Little Round Top. 
Sykes avenue, summit Little Round Top. 
Building retaining wall, south side Little Round Top. 
Sykes avenue south along retaining wall. 
Rolling Sykes avenue between the Round Tops. 
Graded roadway, foot of Big Round Top. 
Laying foundation pavement, foot of Big Round Top. 
Hitching rail at Devils Den. 

Hitching rail near Devil's Den, looking toward Little Round Top. 
TurnbuU's F and K Third United States Battery, Emmitsburg roadc 



ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK 
COiMMlSSlON TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR, 1898. 



War Department, 
Gettysburg National Military Park, 

Getty slmrg, Pa., October 1, 1898. 

Sir: The Gettysburg National Park Commission respectfully sub- 
mit the following report of the progress and condition of their work, 
with some suggestions on what they think necessary for its successful 
prosecution in the future: 

MILITARY avenues. 

Since the last report Crawford avenue has been completed, leading 
northward from Devil's Den through the Valley of Death and across 
Plum Run to the Wheatfield road. The bridge over Plum Run was 
constructed in the same substantial style as the others which have 
been built on this field. 

The commission, having heretofore given attention to the roads and 
avenues of the park of the second and third days' battlefield, have 
thought it wise this year to look after those on the first daj^'s field, 
and have entered into contracts for the construction of Reynolds and 
Howard avenues, which mark the lines, respective!}^, of the First and 
Eleventh Corjjs of the Union Armj^ and are together nearly 3 miles 
long. Howard avenue is finished. It leads from the Harrisburg road, 
near Rock Creek, westward by Barlow's Knoll to the Mummasburg 
road ; is 20 feet wide, and constructed on the Telford plan in the best 
manner, like all the avenues on this field. Reynolds avenue, which 
is in two sections, will be completed, it is hojied, early next spring. 

A number of other roads and avenues have been mentioned in 
previous reports as urgently needed to render accessible important 
and interesting sections of this great battlefield. The commissioners 
would have pushed them this year but for the lack of adequate means, 
and they will do so as soon as practicable. Among them are the 
avenues on the cavalry field and the road leading thither. 

The commission long since constructed Telford avenues along the 
Confederate battle line of the second and third days' fight on Semi- 
nary Ridge, on each extremity of said liue, the left of Hill's Corps 
and the right of Longstreet's, aggregating over 3 miles in length. 
Between these two parts of Confederate avenue there is a gap of 2 
miles (long) along tlie left of Longstreet's Corps and the right of 
Hill's, across which the commission have been very anxious to con- 
struct a link needed to connect the two extremities aforesaid and thus 
complete the Confederate avenue from the Chambersburg pike north- 
west of the town southward and eastward to Round Top, a distance 
of over 5 miles. 

31 



32 GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 

No part of this battlefield is more interesting than the part covered 
by that gap in the Confederate avenue. Not onlj' did important 
movements of the second day's battle originate there, but it was tliere 
the Confedei-ate column of tlie third day under Longstreet was formed 
and began its advance on that final charge led by Pickett, so sublime 
in its daring and so tragic in its fate. 

Tliere is no part of this battlefield so inaccessible as this. Encum- 
bered by bushes and briers and cross fences, with not even an open 
footpath over it, visitors here never see this ground because thej^ can 
not reach it. 

The only reason the commission have not constructed the avenue 
over it is because the Government does not own the land, not having 
the right of Avay, and the owners of the land ask such exorbitant 
prices for it that the Secretary of War and the commission do not feel 
justified in paying them. More than two years ago the Secretary of 
War authorized and instructed the commission to begin a proceeding 
in the circuit court of the United States to condemn the lands needed 
for said avenue, together with some adjacent woodlands, which it was 
important to preserve, the whole area being 105 acres, and the said 
proceeding was begun at once and is still pending. A jury of view 
was appointed, inspected the lands, heard the testimon}' offered on 
both sides, and made an award that was liberal to the respondents, 
ranging from 140 to $200 per acre, but they appealed to the court in 
term at Philadelphia and have since resorted to vexatious delays and 
continuances, so that the case is still pending and undetermined. Thus 
this important part of the Confederate lines is prevented from being 
opened and the military positions on it fixed and marked as intended 
by the Government. 

The commission wish to emphasize the fact that the main hindrance 
to marking Confederate lines and positions, not onlj- on the grounds 
just above spoken of, but on almost all of this field, as Avas the inten- 
tion of Congress in establishing the Gettysburg National Park, is 
that the lands whereon said lines and positions are situated are not 
yet owned by the United States. Prompt action by the courts in 
condemning the needed lands when held at exorbitant prices, and 
liberal appropriations by Congress for the purchase of lands which 
can be bought at reasonable rates, are the two main requisites for the 
realization of the patriotic purposes of the Government with reference 
to this battlefield. 

MARKING POSITIONS OF UNION TROOPS. 

The West Virginia commission have recently erected the following: 
A granite monument to the Seventh West Virginia Infantry on East 
Cemetery Hill, and three granite tablets marking temporary positions 
of this regiment on the field at different stages of the battle; a 
granite monument to the First West Virginia Artillery in the 
National Cemetery; a granite monument to the First West Virginia 
Cavalry on the Taneytown road south of General Meade's headquar- 
ters; a granite monument to the Third West Virginia Cavalry on 
Buford avenue. All these monuments were dedicated b}" appro- 
priate ceremonies on the 28tli of September ultimo, attended by the 
governor of that State and his staff" with many other citizens, and by 
the Second Regiment West Virginia Infantry Volunteers, which 
marched here from Camp George G. Meade for that purpose. 

TJie Maine commission have also, since last report, erected stone 



GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMIISION. 33 

tablets on Hancock avenue, near the high-water mark, to show the 
position of the Third and Fourth Maine Infantry Regiments on the 
third day of the battle. 

The positions of the United States regular troops in this liattle, 
consisting of 11 regiments of infantry, 4 regiments of cavalry, and 2*2 
batteries of artillery, have lieen accurately located and are carefully 
noted on our maps, and also on the ground by nuirkers, so that when 
the Government shall take steps to erect monuments to these troops, 
which their gallant services here certainly entitle them to, there will 
be no difficulty in placing them. 

MARKING POSITIONS OF CONFEDERATE TROOPS. 

Handsome and durable iron tablets with appropriate inscriptions 
are now being erected on substantial iron pillars, designating and 
briefly describing the services rendered by each of the following Con- 
federate batteries, the respective positions of which have been marked 
for some time b}' mounted guus of like class and caliber as those of 
which each battery Avas composed, viz: 

Taylor's Virginia ]>attery, AVoolfolk\s Ashland (Va.) Artillery, Par- 
kers Virginia Battery, and Jordan's Bedford (Va.) Artillery, of Alex- 
ander's Battalion. 

Manly's North Carolina Artillerj^ Eraser's Pulaski (Ga. ) Artillerj^, 
McCarthy's First Richmond Howitzers, and Carlton's Troop (Ga.) 
Artillery, of Cabell's Battalion. 

Bachman's German (S. C.) Artillery, Garden's Palmetto (S. C.) 
Light Artillery, Latham's Branch (N. C.) Artillery, and Reilly's Rowan 
{N. C.) Artillery, of Henry's Battalion. 

Johnson's Virginia Battery, Rice's Danville (Va.) ^Vrtillery, Hurt's 
Hardaway (Ala.) Artillery, and Wallace's Second Rockbridge (\'a.) 
Artillery, of Mcintosh's Battalion. 

Cunningham's Powhatan (\'a.) Artillery, Watson's Second Rich- 
mond Howitzers, and Smith's Third Richmond Howitzers, of Dance's 
Battalion. 

The above are all the Confederate batteries which occupied posi- 
tions on ground of which the title has j^et been acquired by the United 
States. 

Inscriptions are being prepared and tablets of iron similar to those 
mentioned above will shoi'tly be erected to designate the positions and 
briefly describe the evolutions and achievements of the folloAving Con- 
federate infantry commands, viz: 

Kershaw's Brigade of McLaws's Division, and each of its component 
regiments, the Second, Third, Seventh, Eighth, and Fifteenth South 
Carolina, and Third South Carolina Battalion. 

Semmes's Brigade of McLaws's Division, with its Tenth, Fiftieth, 
Fifty-first, and Fiftj^-third Georgia Regiments. 

Anderson's Brigade of Hood's Division, with its Seventh, Eighth, 
Ninth, Eleventh, and Fifty-ninth Georgia Reginients. 

Benning's Brigade of Hood's Division, with its Second, Fifteenth, 
Seventeenth, and Twentieth Georgia Regiments. 

Robertson's Brigade of Hood's Division, with its First, Fourth, and 
Fifth Texas and Third Arkansas Regiments. 

Law's Brigade of Hood's Division, with its Fourth, Fifteenth, Forty- 
fourth, Forty-seventh, and Fortj^-eighth Alabama Regiments. 

The method of marking the positions of troops on this field, as 
approved by the War Department, is to place the principal tablet or 
8569 3 



34 GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 

monument of each command at the position occupied by the command 
in tlie main line of battle, and to mark the several important posi- 
tions subsequently reached by each command in the course of the 
battle bj^ subordinate and ancillar}^ tablets, with appropriate brief 
inscriptions giving interesting details and occurrences and noting the 
day and hour as nearly as possible. 

The Confederate commands above mentioned are the only ones 
whose chief i)Ositions were upon ground now owned by the United 
States, and are, therefore, the only ones which can be marked until the 
Government shall acquire the lands on which they formed and fought. 

Tlie commission are much gratified to notice an awakening of inter- 
est in influential quarters among the people of the Southern States 
concerning this battlefield and the imi:)ortance of erecting monuments 
to commemorate the heroism of their soldiers here, as the people and 
States of the North have done, and it is hoped that Congress will rec- 
ognize and foster this praiseworthy sentiment springing up in the 
South by liberal appropriations of the moneys needed to purchase and 
acquire title to the lands on which the Confederate troops operated 
and where their monuments must be placed. 

The commission will not encumber this report by going into the 
details of their work or attempting to specify the many minor expenses, 
amounting in the aggregate to a considerable sum, which are neces- 
sai"ily incident to the accomplishment of so great a design as the estab- 
lishment of the Gettysburg National Park. They feel warranted in 
declaring that, though yet incomplete, this is already the best marked 
battlefield in the world, and to all those who desire to understand the 
character and the extent of the work done, the}' say, "Come and see." 

While the commission are satisfied that the}' could judiciously and 
economically use in pushing this work during the next year a much 
larger sum, they liereb}' earnestly request and recommend that not 
less than $75,000 be appropriated. 

John P. Nicholson, 
Wm. M. Robbins, 
C. A. Richardson, 

Commissioners. 

The Secretary of War. 



LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS TO ACCOMPANY COMMISSIONERS' REPORT. 

Howard aveniae, from Barlow's Knoll. 

Howard avenue, east from C:!rlisle road. 

Howard avenue, west from Carlisle road, showing shoulder stones. 

Howard avenue, east from Mummasburg road, ready for paving. 

Gen. John F. Reynolds statue, from the southwest. 

Spangler's Spring, foot of Culps Hill. 

Hitching rail, Slocum avenue, near Spangler's Spring. 

Giiard rail on retaining wall, Slocum avenue. 

Hitching rail, Slocum avenue, summit of Gulp's Hill. 

Style of stone wall rebuilt by the commission on Hancock avenue. 

Meade avenue, from Taneytown road. 

Style of gate adopted by the commission. 

Meade avenue, from near Hancock avenue, showing paved gutter. 

Sodded bank on Sedgwick avenue. 

Sodded bank on Sedgwick avenue near Wheatfield road. 

Guard rail on retaining wall. Little Rovind Top. 

Sodded bank, section 6. Confederate avenue. 

Crawford avenue, from Wheatfield road. 



GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITAKY PARK COMMISSION. 35 ; 

Bridge on Crawford avenue over Plum Run. 

Crawford avenue, from Devil's Den. ; 

Guard chain and balls and paths at Devil's Den. 

LIST OF BLUE PRINTS TO ACCOMPANY COMMISSIONERS' REPORT. ] 

324. — Cross sections of the different avenues built on the Gettysburg battlefield. \ 

325. — Design for Spangler's Spring. I 

336. — Plot of land conveyed to the United States by George Spangler, on which is ' 
erected First Marj'land, Battery A, monument. i 

337.— Perspective and detail drawing of Spangler's Spring. '. 

338. — Plot of land conveyed by Nathaniel Lightner to the tJnited States of America, ; 
on wliich is erected l^'irst New York, Battery M. monument. ' 

329. — Guard rail on retaining wall along south slope of Sykes avenue. * 

330. — Guard rail for retaining wall, north slope of Little JElound Top. ' 

331. — Property of Jacob Masonheimer. 

333. — Seat of observation tower. 

333. — Map showing where Gen. Daniel E. Sickles was wounded .Tuly 3, 1863. 

334.— Plot of land conveyed by Samuel Bushman to the United States of America. 

335. — Bridge over Crawford avenue on Plum Run. 

336. — Plot of property conveyed bv Samuel O. Robinson to the United States. 

337. — Plot of property of Jacob Masonheimer conveyed, through Samuel O. Rob- 
inson, to the United States of America. . 

338. — Field of Longstreefs assault. C-3. ."] 

339. — Plan of cellar drain at Dougherty's house. i 

340. — Width of tires on wagons used for tourists within the Gettysburg National 

I^Iilitary Park. ' ! 

341. — United States ])roperty and land included within the Sickles bill. 

343. — Property of heirs of Abraham Trostle on the Gettysburg battlefield. ; 

343. — Hitching rail and posts. J 

344.— Drainpi])e on avenue. j 

345. —Pipe wall, catch-basin, and gutter paving. i 

346. — Gate to be used in the Gettysburg National Park. 

347. — Plan of water cart. 

348. — Land company's land. 

349. — Tract of land belonging to Calvin (xilbert on Barlow's Knoll. 

350. — Plot of land belonging to land and improvement company on which to erect 

Reynolds statue. . 

351. — Plot of tracts of land belonging to heirs of J. Bender. i 

353. — Plan of Howard avenue. ■ \ 

353. — Plan of Reynolds avenue, section 1. ; 

354. — Plan of Reynolds avenue, section 3. 

^55. — Map showing obstruction placed in Brooke avenue. Gettysburg battlefield, 
by the Gettysburg Transit Company. 

356. — Plot of land belonguig to ln-irs of -I . Bender on Barlow's Knoll. 

357. — Plan of path to summit of Big Round Top. \ 

358.— West Gettysburg, B-3. 1 



ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK 
COMMISSION TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR, 1899. 



Gettysburg, Pa., October 2, 1899. 
Sir: The Gettysbiivg' National Park Commission respectfnlly sub- 
mit the following report of the progress and condition of their work, 
with suggestions as to what they think needful for its successful 
prosecution : 

MILITARY AVENUES. 

Since the last report an avenue along the battle lines of the First 
Army Corps on the field of the first day's battle has been constructed. 
It is about a mile and two-thirds long, 20 feet wide, and made on the 
Telford plan, in the most substantial manner. The main section is 
called Reynolds avenue, but, with the approval of the Secretary of 
War, three minor sections have been named, respectivelj% Wadsworth, 
Doubleday, and Robinson avenues. 

The two parts of Sickles avenue, which were previously discon- 
nected, have been united by constructing an avenue, 1,100 feet in 
length, along what is known as the Wheatfield road, which, being a 
puljlic highway at the time when Sickles avenue was made, could not 
then be occupied and improved as a battlefield avenue, as was like- 
wise the case with all the public roads within the park. This diffi- 
culty has since been obviated bj^ an act of the Pennsylvania legislature 
ceding jurisdiction of all such roads to the United States, and the act 
of Congress authorizing the Secretary of War to improve such of them 
as in his discretion might be deemed needful. Sickles avenue is now 
continuous and follows, as nearly as the contour of the ground will 
permit, the entire line of the Third Army Corps from the Emmittsburg 
road near the Rogers House to the Devil's Den. 

There is also being constructed, and now nearly completed, an ave- 
nue one-half mile in length, from Spangler's spring around the south- 
western slope and base of Culp's Hill, along the line on which the 
Union forces formed on the morning of July 3 for the struggle to 
recover their works occupied by the Confederates the previous evening. 

The proceedings begun by us three years ago, by direction of the 
Secretary of War, in the circuit court of the United States for the 
eastern district of Pennsylvania to acquire, by condemnation, five 
tracts of land on Seminary Ridge, and embracing 2 miles of the Con- 
federate battle lines of the second and third days, is not yet con- 
cluded. The jviry of view made their award two and a half years ago. 
The respondents appealed to court in term, where, after much delaj' 
caused by them, it was tried, and a verdict rendered last December 
very liberal for them. They availed themselves of the six months 
allowed for appeal and then carried the case to the United States 
circuit court of appeals. This court is now sitting in Philadelphia, 

37 



38 GETTVSHURG NATIONAL MILITAKY IWRK COMMISSION. 

ami respoiuleiits' counsel seek further delay by eont inuanct" to next 
term. 

One of the live respondents has Avithdrawn from the eontest, 
accepted the liberal sum (80,-41*0) awarded l)y the jury, and conveyed 
to the United States the ti'act of land in controvei'sy beloniiiny' to him. 
We trust the case will soon be concluded, and that we may be enabled 
to complete the a\'enue along- the Confederate line on Seminary Ridge. 
Both ends of it have long been built, and the completion of the ^-mile 
gap in the center will open up one of the most interesting- parts of this 
field, now almost inaccessible, that part from which the Confederate 
column of the third day moved out on its brilliant, though unsuc- 
cessful, charge. 

A number of other avenues should be constructed, among them one 
along- the Confederate battle line on the northeast side of Culi)'s llill; 
another from between the Round Tops to Plum Run A'alley and 
Devil's Den; another along the line of Wright's division, from between 
tlie Round Tojxs southeast wardly across the Taneytown road; another 
along Mie line of the Twentieth .Alaine, on Vincent's spur of Little 
Round Top; anotluu- along liuford's cavalry line; and others con- 
necting the cavalry fields, both south and east of Gettysburg, with 
the infantry battlefudd. In some of these cases it will be necessary 
to acquii-e land at reasonable prices, the owners being private citizens 
and not speculating corporations. The land purchased this year in 
different parcels is 104.89 acres, costing fill, 747. 

A striking- proof of the great and general interest felt by the people 
with reference to this battlefield, and of the importance of making- all 
jiarts of it easily accessible by good avenues, appears in this fact, 
stated by our engineer — that having caused a record to be kept by the 
guards it was found that about '.),()()() vehicles, carrying 30,000 tourists, 
passed over the Hancock avenue in a single month. 

MARKING POSITIONS OF TROOPS AND BATTERIES. 

The positions of batteries belonging to the reg-ular Union and Con- 
federate armies are marked usually by two guns to each battery of the 
same class and caliber as those which constituted tlu' battery, and also 
by iron tablets, supported by iron pillars deeply planted in the ground 
and bearing- ap[)ropriate inscriptions, the letters of which are cast with 
the tablet. The gnus are mountiHl ui)on substantial ii-on gun car- 
riages set upon granite blocks. .V number of these have been i)ut in 
position this yeai- and mount(Hl with guns to mark both Union and 
Confederate battei-ies. The commission have, up to this date, mounted 
in this manner iH)7 guns. 

The ])ositions of the United States Regulars and of the Confederate 
troops are and will be marked by iron tablets similar to those above 
described and with suitable inscriptions. Such tablets have already 
been erected to all Confederate brigades whose lines are on the ground 
to which the United States has title, and as soon as the Government 
shall acquire the necessary lands all the other brigades will be simi- 
larly marked. We propose also putting up api)ropriate tablets to each 
Confederate regiment, and are taking- steps to do this as rapidly as 
practicable; likewise memorials of suitable dignity to the Confederate 
divisions and army corps. 

The positions of the Union Regulars have all been accurately deter- 
mined, suitable inscriptions prepannl for each command, and the 
tablets have been contracted for and will soon be completed and 
erected. 



gettysbukct national military park commission. 39 

Tlu> miinber of tablets erected this .year to batteries and to infantry 
and cavalry coiuniands, Union and Confederate, is Go, and the Avhole 
number of sueh erocti'd by the eonuuission to date is 01. The fore- 
goiuii" method of marking' positions on this field has been adopted, and 
is being' carried out with the approval of the Secretary of Wa'-. 

MONUMENTS. 

The equestrian statue of General Reynolds was unveiled on the 1st 
day of July with appropriate ceremonies. 

A monument to tlie Fourteentli \"ermont Regiment was recently 
erected by the veterans of the .regiment on Hancock avenue, south of 
the Vermont I^rigade monument. 

A monument to the Thirteenth Vermont Regiment is now being 
erected just north of tlie brigade monument. 

Sentiments of the Veterans, 
annual reunion of the united confederate veterans, charleston, s. c. , 

MAY 10-13. 18'J'.). 

The following preamble and resolutions were unanimously reported by the com- 
mittee and unanimously adopted by the veterans: 

'• Whereas the Governinent of the United Htates has undertaken and is pushing 
forward the work of pernianently marking the lines and positions of the troops of 
both the contending armies on several great battlefields of the civil war. among 
them Gettysburg, Chickamauga, Shiloh, Vicksburg, and others, with the design 
of making these battlfields permanent memorials of the prowess of American 
soldiers without respect of section: 

"Jicsolrcil, That we. as Ton federate veterans, sympathize with and commend this 
patriotic purpose of the Government, and will lend our intluence and aid toward 
its full realization. 

"Bi'solred, That we trust the people of the Southern States will take early and 
effective steps to erect upon these battletiekls suitable monuments in honor of our 
glorious heroes in gray who fought and died lor what they believed to be right." 

I certify that the above and foregoing resolutions were unanimously passt-d at 

the Charleston. 8. C, reunion on May l"v, 1899, and the above is a true copy Irom 

the minutes of the same. t r> o ^„ ^»t 

J. B. Gordon, 

(reiicral Comma nding. 

Geo. Moorman, 

Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff. 

PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED AT THE THIRTY-THIRD NA- 
TIONAL ENCAMPMENT OP THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC, HELD IN THE 
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, SEPTEMBER AND 7, ISilll. 

Whereas the first efforts ever made to preserve and fully mark a battlefield were 
begun in 18()3, immediately after the battle of Gettysburg, to preserve the features 
of that field and to mark the positions and movements of the troops engaged: this 
was done by loyal hearts and willing hands at a cost of over §2,000,000. and with- 
out any help from Congress: and 

Whereas all this property was transferred to the General Government in 1895 
free of cost, and in view of the liberal contributions by States, by societies, and by 
individuals, there should be more liberal appropriations on the part of Congress to 
complete this work on the field where the greatest battle of the war was fought — 
one of the greatest battles of modern times: Therefore, 

Ee-'^oJrcd, That we earnestly commend the Gettysburg National Military Park 
Commission in its work of acquiring lands of historical interest, of constructing 
avenues along lines of battle otherwise inaccessible, in restoring and preserving 
the oriL'inal features of the field, and in marking with tablets and monuments the 
Ijositions and movements of troops, so that the history of the battle will practicall\' 
be written on the field: and 

RcKotreiL That we ask Congress to make liberal appropriations to enable the 
commissioners to acquire the necessary lands and complete at an early day the 
work provided for by the act creating the park. 

Albert D. Shaw, 

Couuiiandei' in Chief. 
Thomas J. Stewart, 

Adjutant-General. 



40 GETTYSBUKO TSTATIONAL MILITAEY PARK COMMISSION. 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE THIRTIETH ANNUAL REUNION OF THE SOCIETY OF THE ARMY 
OF THE POTOMAC, HELD AT PITTSBURG, PA., OCTOBER 11 AND 12, 1899. 

[Extract from minutes.] 

The followins: resolution was unanimously adopted: 

The Society of the Army of the Potomac desires to express to the Secretary of 
War its high appreciation of the work performed under the direction of his 
Department on the battlefield of Gettysburg, and to commend the commission. 
Col. John P. Nichorson. Maj. Charles A. Richardson, and Maj. William M. liob- 
bins, for the intelligence and faithfulness with which they have accomplished the 
indication and preservation of the lines of battle, especial praise being due the 
commission for the character and quality of the avenues and the skill with which 
the system has been plotted, making communication with all parts of the field 
possible and satisfactory. The society also asks that the continued support and 
aid of the Govern aient be generously continued to the commission, that they may 
be enabled to complete the undertaking consistently with its beginning, and so 
make the national memorial at Gettysburg worthy the fame and the importance 
of the greatest battlefield of the great war. 

D. McM. Gregg, 

Prpnident. 
Horatio C. King, 

Secretary. 

The commission are gratified to observe the deep interest thus mani- 
fested by tlie veterans of both armies in tlie great work which we are 
jjushing forward as rapidly as possible, and we trust that Congress will 
respond to the praiseworthy sentiment of the veterans by suitable 
appropriations commensurate with the magnitude and importance of 
the work. 

We will not encumber this report by going into further details or 
attempting to specify the many minor expenses necessarily incident 
to the accomplishment of so important a design as the establishment 
of this national military park. Though yet incomplete, this is already 
the best marked battlefield in the world, and all who come to see it 
are surprised and delighted. 

While the commission could judiciously and economically use in 
pushing this work during the next year a much larger sum, they 
earnestly recommend that not less than 1100,000 be appropriated. 

John P. Nicholsox, 
Wm. M. Robbins, 
Charles A. Richardson, 

Commissioner's. 

The Secretary of War. 



LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS ACCOMPANYING REPORT, SHOWING SOME OF THE DETAILS 
OF THE WORK DURING THE YEAR. 

1.— Shell, stones, and chain, Barlow's Knoll. 

2.— Howard avenue, looking west. 

3. — View of tower of Doubleday and Robinson avenues and hitching rail. 

4. — Wadsworth avenue, looking west. 

5. — From intersection of Wadisworth and Reynolds avenues, showing style of 
tablets adopted for avenues. 

6. — Rej-nolds avenue, looking south from Reynolds Grove. 

7. — Piked roadway through Reynolds Grove. 

8. — Menchy's Spring, fooib of East Cemetery Hill. 

9. — Geary avenue on Culp's Hill, near Spanglers Spring, showing foundation 

and shoulder stones. 
10. — Geary avenue along ravine in front of One hundred and forty-seventh Penn- 
sylvania monumetit. 
11. — Geary avenue from near Spangler's Spring. 
12.— Geary avenue from intersection with Slocum avenue. 



GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 41 

13.— Section Kinzie's Battery L. Fifth United States. 

14. — Rugg's Battery F, Foiartli United States, and Kinzie's Battery K, Fifth 

United States. 
15. — Section Taft's Fifth New York (Evergreen Cemetery). 
16. — Dilger's Battery I. First Ohio (National Cemetery). 
17. — Bancroft's Battery G, Foiarth United States (National Cemetery). 
18. — Eakin's Battery H. First United States (National Cemetery). 
19. — Hill's Battery C, First West Virginia (National Cemetery). 
20. — McCartney's Battery A, First Massachusetts (National Cemetery). 
31.— Hall's Second Maine Battery. 
22. — Edgell's First New Hami)shire Battery. 
23. — Breastworks in Patterson field east of Hancock avenue. 
24. — Stone wall rebuilt on Sedgwick avenue. 
25. — Wheatfield road connecting Sickles avenue. 
26. — Path to summit of Big Round Top from avenue. 
27.^ — Path near summit of Big Round Top. 

28. — Path near summit of Big Round Top, looking toward base of hill. 
29. — Vista near summit of Big Round Top, showing the Sphinx. 
30. — Law's Brigade tablet, section 5. Confederate avenue. 
31. — Taylor's and Parker s Battery, section 4, Confederate avenue. 
32. — Carlton's Battery, section 4, Confederate avenue. 

LIST OF BLUE PRINTS ACCOMPANYING REPORT, SHOWING SOME OF THE DETAILS 
OF THE WORK DURING THE YEAR. 

359. —Stonework for Menchy's Spring. 

360. — Tract belonging to Henry Osborn. 

362. — Tract belonging to Alex. Little. 

363. — A monument to mark Camp Letterman. 

364. — A monument to mark headquarters Fifth Army Corps. . 

365. — Propert}' of heirs of Abraham Trostle. 

366. — Camping ground for Second West Virginia Regiment. 

367.— Map of Stevens Knoll. 

368. — Ma]) of avenues and roads. 

369. — Position of chain and balls on Barlow's Knoll. 

370. — Map showing tracts exchanged between William Patterson and Simon J. 

Codori. 
371.— Corps badges. 
372. — Drain jiipe on Howard avenue. 
373. — Plot of Fourteenth Connecticut Regiment. 
374. — Cast-iron tablet and stand. 
375. — Corps badges. 

376.— Land and Improvement Company's land. 
377. — Drain pipe near Bryan House. 

378. — Map showing road around Twenty-eighth Massachusetts monument. 
379. — Map showing road around Twenty-eighth Massachusetts monument. 
380. — Grand Army badges. 
381. — Grand Army badges. 

383.^ — Plan for piked roadway through Reynolds Grove. 
383. — Orchard on Trostle farm. 
384.— Plan of avenue along south base, Culp's Hill. 
385.— Property of L. Trostle. 
386. — Plan of ground around Reynolds statue. 
387. — Plan of steps on Little Round Top. 
389. — Property of Samuel M. Bushman. 
390. — Plan of addition to stable. 

391. — Cross section showing plan for surfacing avenue. 
392.— Avenue from Sykes to Crawford avenue. 
393. — Design for division tablet. 
394. — South Emmitsburg road. 
395.— Powers Hill. 
396.— East Gettysburg. 
397. — Map showing line of proposed avenue through Culp's property. 



ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK 
COMMISSION TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR, 1900. 



War Department, 
Gettysburg National Park Commission, 

Getty slnmj, I'a., October^, 1900. 
Sir: The eonimissioncr.s of the Gettysburg' National Military Park 
respectfully submit the following report concerning their work, its 
condition and progress, with some suggestions as to what is needed for 
its further prosecution: 

-MILITARY AVENUES. 

The total length of the avenues now on the battletield, which are all 
constructed on the Telford system, is nearly 15 miles. An avenue, 
known at present as East Confederate avenue, is just completed from 
the eastern border of the town across the intervening fields to Culp's 
Hill, and around the base of that hill to Spangler's Spring, It is 20 
feet wide and nearl}^ a mile and a half long, and follows substantially 
the battle line of Ewell's Confederate Corps. At its southeastern ter- 
minus it joins Slocum avenue, which marks the line of the Twelfth 
Corps along the summit of Gulp's Hill. 

The land along the summit of Seminary Ridge having recently been 
acquired l)y the conclusion of the long pending condemnation cases, a 
contract has been made for the construction of an avenue 20 feet wide 
and two miles in length along that ridge, and work thereon has begun. 
This avenue follows the Confederate line of battle, and w hen completed 
the entire line of Longstreet's and Hill's corps on the second and 
third days of the battle, inchiding the part from which the charge of 
the third day was made, will be indicated and rendered easily accessi- 
ble by a Telford avenue. 

A number of other avenues should l)e constructed on the Telford 
system, among them Buford avenue on the first day's field; another 
along the line of the Twentieth Maine on VincenUs Spur and thence 
to Plum Run Valley and Devil's Den; another along the line of 
Wright's Division from between the Round Tops southeastwardly 
across the Taneytown road, Pleasonton avenue and others connecting 
the cavalry fields and positions, both east and south of Gettysburg, 
with the infantry battlefield. 

The Taneytown road from the borough line to a point beyond 
General Meade's headquarters should be converted into a Telford 
avenue, and so should the Mununaslnirg road from the end of Howard 
avenue to Buford a^'enue; also the Fairfield road from the south end of 

43 



44 GETTYSBUEG NATIOISrAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 

Re3niold.s avenue to Confederate avenue; the Wheatlield road across 
the entire battlefield from east to west, and the road leading from 
Crawford avenue to United States avenue. 

POSITIONS OF TROOPS AND BATTERIES ESTABLISHED AND MARKED. 

Gun carriages with mounted guns have been erected on the field 
since the last report. 

The section of Calef's battery on Reynolds avenue has been marked 
by two 3-inch rifles mounted on iron gun carriages and by a monumental 
tablet with an appropriate inscription. 

The section of Smith's New York battery on Crawford avenue in 
Plum Run Valley has been marked by two 10-pounder Parrotts mounted 
on iron gun carriages and by a monumental tablet with an appropriate 
inscription. 

Two additional gun carriages mounted with Napoleons have been 
placed with Wilkeson's battery on Barlow's Knoll. 

Two additional gun carriages mounted with 8-inch rifles have been 
placed with Wheeler's battery on Howard avenue. 

Two additional gun carriages mounted with Napoleons have been 
placed with Dilger's battery on Howard avenue. 

Two additional gun carriages mounted with 3-inch rifles have been 
placed with Reyijolds's battery on Reynolds avenue. 

Two additional gun carriages mounted wdth 10-pounder Parrotts 
have been placed with Smith's New York battery on Sickles avenue 
near Devil's Den. 

Two gun carriages moanted with light 12-pounders have been placed 
on Hancock avenue to mark the position of Ames's batter}", heretofore 
marked by a small stone monument onh^ 

One additional gun carriage mounted with a Napoleon has been 
placed with Heckraan's batteiy at the junction of Carlisle and Lincoln 
streets in Gettysburg. 

There are now 225 mounted guns on the battlefield, all of which 
have been placed by this commission. 

Mounted guns had been placed on the field before the Government 
took charge of it, but the carriages were poorly constructed and the 
guns not of the same kind as those used in the battle. Now gun car- 
riages constructed entirely of iron, closely resembling the wooden 
carriages have been substituted for the old, imperfect ones, and are 
also used for the many additional batteries set up by the commission; 
and the guns mounted on every battery of the field are of the same 
class and caliber as were used in the battle by each battery, respectively. 

TABLETS. 

Since the last report the following tablets have been set up, viz: 
Monumental tablets of iron with appropriate inscriptions have been 
erected on the knoll west of Plum Run Valley and near The Wheat- 
field, to mark the positions of the Second, Third, Fourth, Sixth, Sev- 
enth, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth. Fourteenth, and Seventeenth regi- 
ments, United States Infantry, of Burbank's and Da^^'s brigades, 
Ayres's division. 

The positions of the following Confederate brigades of EwelFs Corps 
have been marked by monumental tablets of iron erected along East 



GETTYSBURa NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 45 

Confederate avenue, with appropriate inscriptions describing the part 
each took in the battle, with its numbers and losses, viz: 

Jones's Virginia brigade, Nicholls's Louisiana brigade, Stuart's Vir- 
ginia, North Carolina, and Maryland l)rigades. Walker's Virginia bri- 
gade of Johnson's division, 

Hoke's North Carolina brigade, Hays's Louisiana Ijrigade, Smith's. 
A^irginia brigade, Gordon's Georgia bi'igade of Early's division. 

Daniel's North Carolina brigade, O'Neal's Alabama brigade of Rodes's 
division. 

Avenue tablets as follows: Four on Howard avenue, 4 on Reynolds 
avenue, 2 on Doubleday avenue, 1 on Robinson avenue, 1 on Wads- 
worth avenue, 1 on Neill avenue, '2 on Geary avenue, 1 on Coster 
avenue, I2 on Crawford avenue. 

Caution tablets as follows: Five on Howard avenue, 2 on Doubleday 
avenue, 1 on Robinson avenue, 1 on Wadsworth avenue, 2 on Rey- 
nolds avenue, 2 on Geary avenue. 

Direction and distance tablets have been placed, 1 on each of the 5 
observation towers, giving the true direction and distance of each and 
all of the most important features and positions on the held as seen 
from each tower, respectively. 

Tal^lets have been erected marking important historic places on the 
battlefield, viz: Spangler's Spring, Gulp's Hill, Stevens Knoll, East 
Cemeter}^ Hill, Ziegler's Grove, Br3'an House, The Angle, Georee 
Weikert House, Trostle House, Excelsior Field, The Loop, Devil's 
Den, Little Round Top, The Wheatfield (2), Barlow's Knoll, Oak 
Ridge, Reynolds Woods. 

There have also been erected on all the roads radiating from Gettys- 
burg, 12 in all, handsome tablets of iron giving the distances to neigh- 
boring towns and villages more or less connected w^ith the story of the 
battle, viz: 

On the Chambersburg pike from Gettysburg to Cash town; from 
Gettysburg to Chambersburg. 

On the Hagei'stown road from Gettysburg to Fairfield; from Gett3\s- 
burg to Monterejs from Gett^^sburg to Waynesboro; from Gettj^s- 
burg to Hagerstown. 

On the Emmitsburg road from Gettysburg to Emmitsburg. 

On the Taney town road from Gett3'sburg to Taney town. 

On the Baltimore pike from Gettysburg to Two Taverns; from 
Gettysburg to Littlestown; from Gettysburg to Westminster; from 
Gett^'sburg to Baltimore. 

On Hanover road from Gettysburg to Cavalry Field; from Gettys- 
burg to Bonneauville; from Gettysburg to Hanover, 

On York pike from Gettysburg to New Oxford; from Gettysburg 
to York;. 

On Hunterstown road from Gettysburg to Hunterstown. 

On Harrisburg road from Gettysburg to Heidlersburg; from Gettys- 
burg to York Springs; from Gettysburg to Harrisburg. 

On Carlisle road from Gettysburg to Carlisle. 

On Newville road from Gettysburg to Newville. 

On Mummasburg road from Gett\^sburg to Mummasburg; from 
Gettysburg to Arendtsville. 

The number of tablets erected since last report is 80, and total now 
on the field 310. 



46 GETTYSBUKG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 



WORK OF ENGINEER S DEPARTMENT. 

The Engineer, Lieut. Col. E. B. Cope, and his assistants, have con- 
tinued their surve^^s within the limits of the battletield, and maps of 
the area surveyed have been drawn, traced, and blue printed. They 
have also in progress a map drawn upon a scale of 600 feet to the inch, 
embracing the principal operations of both armies on this field. This 
map will be 45 inches long and 2!' inches wide, embracing IT square 
miles, with ever}^ detail of topography accurately represented. 

It is the purpose of the commission to have the positions of every 
battery, battalion, regiment, brigade, and di\ision at each hour of the 
battle accurately placed upon the necessary number of copies of this 
map, viz: 

Nine copies showing positions of troops at each hour from 1) a. m. to 
5 p. ra. of the first clay's battle. 

Twelve copies showing positions of troops at each hour from 9 a. m. 
to 9 p. m. of the second da3''s battle. 

Fourteen copies showing positions of troops at each hour from 4 
a. m. to 5 p. m. of the third day's battle. 

The whole area embraced in this map has been survej^ed and the map 
itself will be completed in the early part of the coming winter, so that 
the positions of the troops can be placed upon it. 

PRESERVING AND RESTORING THE FIELD. 

Much work has been and is being done to restore and preserve the 
features of the battletield as they existed at the time of the battle. 
This includes the repairing and rebuilding of the stone fences and 
walls which served as important military defenses, the restoring and 
preservation of buildings, also the renewal of forests where they have 
been cut away since the battle. Thousands of young trees have been 
planted for this purpose and are growing finely. Much care is also 
taken to preser\'e and keep in good condition the forests which existed 
at the time of the battle on lands since acquired and now owned by the 
Government. Particular care is also taken to avoid cutting away and 
changing the natural surface of the gi'ound when constructing the 
avenues. Fortunatel}" the lines of both armies mainly occupied ridges, 
slopes, and valleys of such character that avenues can be constructed 
so as to follow those lines closely without seriously disfiguring the 
ground with cuts and fills in grading. Contracts also have been made 
for procuring the material and building 10,000 feet of post and rail 
fencing to inclose sundry tracts of Government land, and likewise for 
furnishing the structural steel tubing and erecting pipe fences where 
needed along the Telford avenues. 

ACQUISITION OF LANDS. 

As previously mentioned, the title to the five tracts of land on Semi- 
nary Ridge embraced in the condemnation cases has at length been 
secured to the United States. One of the respondents some time since 
withdrew from the contest, executed conveyance of his tract, and was 
paid the sum awarded him by the jury. The other respondents, having 
sought a new trial and failed to secure it, being served with a rule to 
show cause why the court should not render judgment vesting in the 



GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 47 

United States the title to their respective tracts of lands and directing- 
the money awarded therefor by the jurv to be paid into court for 
them, ceased to contend further and consented to such judgment, which 
has now been rendered and executed. These live tracts contain 105.79 
acres on Seminary Ridge, w^here an avenue 2 miles long is now being 
constructed, as previously mentioned herein. 

Since the last report 22 acres of land lying along the north side of 
United States avenue and eml^racing important military positions have 
been purchased from the Swisher heirs. 

Also 40.05 acres have been purchased from the Gulp heirs, and it is 
upon this land, together with a tract previously purchased from S. M. 
Bushman, that the East Confederate avenue has just been constructed. 

Also the Francis Altholi' tract of 12.76 acres arid the Basil Biggs 
tract of 48 acres, both tracts purchased, but the conveyances have not 
•yet been delivered. 

There are other important tracts and parcels of land w hich should 
be owned by the United States, but the acquisition of them must await 
further appropriations by Congress. 

There are also certain tracts and parcels of land which should by all 
means be acquired by the Government, in order to prevent them from 
being put to uses such as are contemplated ])y the owners, which would 
seriously mar and disligure the park and battletield, and they can' not 
be acquired by purchase except at prices absurdly exorbitant, but must 
be secured, if at all. by condemnation. Such proceedings will be insti- 
tuted by the commission, with the approval of the Secretary of War. 
Part of the appropriation which has been asked for by the commission 
for the next fiscal year is asked for with a view to the institution of 
such proceedings, which is of vital importance. 

The commission are proud to be able to say that the multitudes of 
visitors who throng the Gettys))urg National Park, including thousands 
of veterans of both armies that fought here, are not only unanimous 
in approving the Government's design to make this battlefield a splendid 
monument to American valor, but are equally emphatic in their com- 
mendation of the manner in which that design is being carried out. 

(Resolutions expressing commendation of the work are attached.) 

The commission asks for an appropriation of $80,000 for the next 
year, and the}' earnestly hope that the sum appropriated may not fall 
below that. 

Respectfully, 

John P. Nicholson, Chau'm<in, 
Wm. M. Robbins, 
Charles A. Richardson, 

Comin issioners. 

The Secretary of War. 



RESOLUTIONS OF ARMY VETERAN ASSOCIATIONS. 

Annual 3Ieetinu of the Third Akmy Cukps Union, 

Gettysburg, Pa., May 22, 1900. 

[Minutt's — Extract.] 

******* 

The veterans of tlie Third Corps of the Army of the Potomac, having revisited the 
battletield of Gettvsljurg and observed the restoration of the field and its earthworks 



48 GETTYSBUKG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 

and the tablets and cannon to indicate the positions and movements of troops, and 
the permanent avenues along or near the lines of battle so graded and constructed as 
to make the most difficult part of the field accessible, do therefore now at the annual 
meeting of the Third Army Corps Union, held at Gettysburg, Pa., this 22d dav of 
May, 1900, 

Resolved, That we hereby express our high apjireciation of the work done by the 
Gettysburg National Park Commission as to its thoroughness, permanence, economy, 
accuracy, and appropriateness, and that we ask Congress to make liberal appropria- 
tions sufficient to enable the commission to secure the lands needed for the park and 
to complete at an early day the work provided for by the national-park act. 

Joseph H. Twichell, President. 
Wm. H. How.\rd, Secretary. 



Society of the Army of the Potomac. 

proceedings of the thirty-first annual reunion of the society of the army 
of the potomac, at fredericksburg, va., may 25-26, 1900. 

[Extract.] 
■K ***** * 

The following was unanimously adopted: 

"The Society of the Army of the Potomac wishes to express to the Secretary of 
War its great appreciation of the work accomplished by the War Department on the 
Gettysburg battlefield, and to commend the United States commission. Col. John P. 
Nicholson, Maj. William j\I. Bobbins, and Maj. Charles A. Eichardson, for the 
faithfulness with which they have preserved and are marking the lines of battle of 
the Army of the Potomac and the Army of Northern Virginia, and making avenues 
of the highest character, and the skill with which the entire work is being done. 

"The society asks that the continued aid of Congress be given to the commission 
that they may be enabled to complete the great undertaking consistent with its con- 
ception and so make the National Memorial Park at Gettysburg worthy of the fame 
of the men who fought there in 1863." 

W. J. Sewell, President. 

Horatio C. King, Secretary. 



Thirty-fourth Annual Encampment of the 
Department of Pennsylvania, Grand Army of the Republic, 

Gettysburg, Pa., June 6-7, 1900. 

[Extract.] 
******* 

'^Resolved, That we have noted with great satisfaction the progress of the work of 
the United States commission on the battlefield of Gettysburg, and we earnestly com- 
mend their great work to the Secretary of War and to the Congress of the United 
States, and we hope that liberal appropriations may be made to acquire and to 
improve the lands necessary to complete the admirable plans which the commission 
has adopted. 

^'Resolved, That copies of the foregoing resolution be properly attested and for- 
warded to the Secretary of War and to the presiding officers of the Houses of Con- 
gress. ' ' 
The resolutions were unanimously adopted. 

******* 

Jas. F. Morrison, Curmnander 
Tnos. J. Stewart, 

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. 



GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 49 



[Extract from the proceedings of the Thirty-fourth National Encampment, Grand Army of the 
Republic, held at Chicago, 111., August 29 and 30, 1900.] 

THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS. 

The committee recommended that tlie following, submitted by Past Commander 
in Chief Wagner, be adopted, and the recommendation was concurred in: 

"The Thirty-iourth National Encampment, Grand Army of the Republic, desires to 
jnit upon record the following statement of the condition of the work of marking the 
battlefield of Gettysburg, and to congratulate the United States commission having 
charge of the work upon its successful prosecution: 

"We also respectfully request the Congress of the United States to make continued 
liberal appropriation for the further necessary securing of the land occupied by the 
armies fighting this battle and for the proper marking thereof." 

UNITED STATES PROPERTY IN THE GETTYSBURG NATIONAL PARK, ALSO THE PROGRESS OF 
THE WORK IN MARKING THE BATTLEFIELD BY THE GETTYSBURG NATIONAL PARK 
COMMISSION. 

One thousand two hundred and twenty-one acres of land have been acquired by 
the commission, upon which have been erected by States and military organizations 
447 monuments, principally granite and of large dimensions and appropriate designs. 

Twenty-four Telford avenues, 13 miles long in the aggregate, have been completed 
by the commission. 

One Telford avenue is under construction IJ miles long; another Telford avenue, 
2 miles long, is about to be placed under contract. 

B}^ the spring of 1901 there will be completed 16 miles and over of the very best 
quality of Telford avenues upon the field. 

Twenty-two avenues 14 miles in length are yet to be built to complete the road 
system contemplated. 

Five steel towers have been erected, and 96 battery positions have been marked 
with 225 guns mounted ui)on iron gun carriages. 

Two hundred and ninety-five tablets of large size and appropriate design have been 
set up to mark the positions of Confederate batteries, battalions, regiments, and 
brigades. 

Two hundred and fifty-four stones, mounted with shells, 10 inch and 13 inch, have 
Ijeen set up for various purposes on the field, particularly to protect the curves of 
avenues. 

Leo Rassieur, dyminander in Cltief. 

Frank 31. Sterrett, AiJjutant-GeneraL 



LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS TO ACCOMPANY COMMISSION S REPORT. 

Hurt's Hardaway (Alabama) Artillery of Whitworth guns in Shultz's Grove. 

Style of tablet adopted showing distance to other towns. 

Cunningham's battery. Seminary avenue. 

Dilger's First Ohio Battery, Howard avenue. 

Stevens's Knoll, showing position for statue to General Slocuin. 

Spangler's Spring, foot of Gulp's Hill. 

Entrance to East Confederate avenue from Slocum avenue. 

Style of tablet adopted to mark historical places. 

Smith's Fourth New York Battery, west of Devil's Den. 

Section of Smith's Fourth New York Battery, Crawford avenue. 

Semmes's brigade tablet, Confederate avenue, section 4. 

Benning's brigade tablet. Confederate avenue, section 5. 

Twelfth United States Infantry tablet, Day's brigade, in grove south of Wheat- 
field. 

Eleventh United States Infantrv tablet, Burbank's brigade, in grove soutli of 
Wheatfield. 

Tablet marking Excelsior field. 

8569 4 



50 GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 



LIST OF BLUE PRINTS ACCOMPANYING REPORT OF 1900. 

398. — Plan of avenue through United States and Masonheimer properties. 

399. — Position of Fourteentli Vermont monument. 

400. — Map showing property of F. Althoff and surrouiKhng United States properties. 

401. — Property of Swisher heirs. 

402. — Property of Francis A. Althoff. 

403. — Tracts of land belonging to heirs of Henrv Gulp. 

404.— Middle AVilloughby Run, C— 2. 

405. — Position on Gulp's Hill of the One hundred and forty-seventh New York 

marker. 
406. — Proposed avenue arovmd First Vermont Cavalrj- monument. 
407. — Map showing all the property of the Gettysburg Springs and Hotel Company 

south of the Fairfield road. 
408. — Plan of culverts 1 and 2 to be built on avenue through Gulp property. 
409. — Plan of arch bridge over Gulp's Run. 
410. — Tract of land belonging to heirs of Henry Gulp. 
411. — Post for fencing. 

412. — Plan of avenue through Gulp property. 
413. — Gate adopted for the Gettysburg National Park. 
414. — Proposed piking of the intersection of Flast Middle and Liberty streets at the 

entrance to East Confederate avenue. 
415. — -Design for bridge on Reynolds avenue over Western Maryland Railroad. 
416. — Property of George E. Stock in Butler township. 
417. — Stonework for the spring on Hancock avenue. 
418. — Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Sickles wounded July 2, 1863, marker. 
419. — Lands belonging to the Fred. Pfeffer heirs near Ziegler's Grove. 
420. — Plan of boring holes in iron posts on retaining walls. 
421. — Plan of Confederate avenue along Seminary Ridge from section 1 to section 4 

Wheat-field road. 



ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK 
COMMISSION TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR. lOIII. 



War Department, 
Gettysburg National Park Commission, 

Gettyshurg, Pa., October 1. 1901. 
Sir: The commissioners of the GetU^sbur^ National Park respect- 
fully submit the following report of the condition and progress of 
their work, with suggestions as to Avhat is needed for its further pros- 
ecution. In accordance with your recent order, this report, unlike all 
previous ones, does not include our work to the present date, but to 
the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 1901. 

military avenues. 

The avenue known at present as West Confederate avenue and men- 
tioned in our last report as being under contract has been completed. 
Like all the avenues, it is constructed on the Telford system and will 
last for centuries. It is 20 feet wide and over 2 miles long, running 
from the Hagerstown road near the seminary southward along Semi- 
nary Ridge, following the Confederate battle line of the second and' 
third days, and for the tirst time rendering perfectly accessible to vis- 
itors the ground on wdiich the Confederate column was formed and 
started on its charge of the third day. The southern terminus of this 
avenue is at the A\'heattield road, and there it makes connection with 
an avenue, also 2 miles in length and similar in construction, i-unning 
along the line of General Longstreet on the second day, and then curv- 
ing eastward to Hound Top. It may not be amiss, as it shows the 
durable character of these works, to state the fact that the last-men- 
tioned avenue was constructed six years ago, has been in use ever since, 
scarcely cost one cent for repairs, and is, if possible, in better condition 
to-dav than when the Government received it from the contractor. 

The completion of the West Confederate avenue not only makes 
accessible the lines and positions of the Confederate infantry and 
artillery on Seminary Ridge, but opens up a more satisfactory view of 
a large part of the l)attletield, including some of the most important 
and interesting Union positions, thereby enabling the militai'y critic 
better than ever before to study the scene of the great conflict and many 
of its more prominent features from various points of observation. 

Pleasonton avenue has been laid out by the engineer and is now being- 
constructed. It runs from Hancock avenue, near the point where 
General Hancock was wounded, eastward to the headquarters of the 
cavalry on the Taneytown ro:id, about one-third of a mile. The total 

51 



52 GETTYSBUKG "NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 

leno-th of the avenues now on the battletield, all constructed on the 
Telford plan, is about lOi miles. 

A number of other avenues should be constructed, among them 
Buford avenue on the first day's field, another along- the line of the 
Twentieth Maine on Vincent's Spur of Little Round Top and thence 
to Plum Bun Valley and Devil's Den, another along the line of 
Wright's Division, the left of the Sixth Corps, from between the 
Round Tops southeastwardly across the Tane^town road, and others 
connecting the cavalry battlefields and positions, both east and south 
of Gettysburg, with the battlefield of the infantry. 

Under permit of the Secretary of War, the Taneytown road, from 
the borough line of Gettysburg to a point beyond General JNIeade's 
headquarters, will soon be converted into a Telford avenue. The 
same, in our judgment, should be done with the Mummasburg road 
from the western end of Howard avenue to Buford avenue, also the 
Hagerstown road from the southern end of Reynolds avenue to the 
Confederate avenue on Seminary Ridge, also the Wheatfield road 
across the entire battlefield from east to west and the road leading 
from Crawford avenue to United States avenue. 

MONUMENTAL TABLETS. 

The flanks of the Union and of the Confederate armies respectively 
have been fixed and marked by iron tablets with suitable inscriptions. 

The position of the One hundred and fort3^-eighth Pennsylvania 
Regiment on Hancock avenue on the third day of the battle has been 
established and will soon be indicated by an appropriate and durable 
marker. 

The spot where Gen. Daniel E. Sickles was wounded, on the even- 
ing of the second d^y, has been indicated by a handsome granite 
marker with an appropriate inscription. 

Thirteen handsome and durable itinerary tablets have been erected 
at a similar number of towns and villages within a daj's march of 
Gettysburg, with inscriptions setting forth the movements of the 
several corps, divisions, and minor bodies of troops constituting the 
Union Army on the days immediately before and after the battle, 
and specifying the date and the hour of such movements, respectively. 

Preparations are being made to erect similar tablets at suitable 
points setting forth in like manner the movements, during the same 
period, of the several bodies of troops composing the Confederate 
ai'my. 

Historical tablets of iron are being prepared and will soon be erected 
along the recently completed Confederate avenue on Seminary Ridge, 
to mark the respective positions of Barksdale's Mississippi Brigade 
and Woftord's Georgia Brigade, of McLaw's Division; of Kemper's, 
Garnett's, and Armistead's Virginia brigades of Pickett's Division; of 
Wilcox's Alabama, Perry's Florida, Wright's Georgia, Posey's Missis- 
sippi, and Mahone's Virginia brigades of Anderson's Division; of 
Archer's Tennessee, Pettigrew's North Carolina, Davis's Mississippi 
and North Carolina, and Brockenbrough's Virginia brigades of Heth's 
Division; of Scales's North Carolina, Lane's North Carolina, McGowan's 
South Carolina, and Thomas's Georgia brigades of Pender's Division. 
The tablets contain carefully prepared inscriptions describing the part 
taken in the battle by each i3rigade, and stating its numbers and losses. 



GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY FARK COMMISSION. 53 

Guns of the same class and calil)ev as those which composed each of 
the batteries are also being placed along' that avenue to indicate the 
position of each battery, viz: 

Moody's Battery, 24-pounder howitzers. 

Rhett's and Patterson's batteries, 12-pounder howitzers. 

Stribling's Battery, 20-pounder Farrotts. 

Wingfield's Battery, 3-inch Navy Farrotts. 

Macon's, Ross's, Marye's, and Brander's batteries, 10-pounder Farrotts. 

Wyatt's, Zimmerman's, Grandy's, Lewis's, Maurin's, and Griffin's batteries, 

3-inch rifles. 
Miller's, Squires's, Richardson's, Norcom's, Caskie's, Blount's, Ward's, 

Brooke's, Graham's, Crenshaw's, McGraw's, and Moore's batteries, 

Napoleons. 

The gun carriages are wholly of iron, and they are immovable, 
being fastened to large stones grouted in the ground. Historical 
tablets of iron are placed by every battery and artillery battalion, with 
inscriptions recording the part each took in the battle, the number of 
rounds tired, the losses suffered, and other interesting details. 

WORK OF engineers' DEPARTMENT — MAPS. 

In addition to the multiplicity of other important duties and services 
of the engineer, Lieut. Col. E. B. Cope, and his assistants, which have 
been faithfully performed in the office and on the field, two large maps 
of the battlefield, on a scale of 600 feet to the inch, and embracing an 
area of 17 square miles, have been completed. One of them shows the 
topography of the battlefield with accuracy in ever}' detail as it was in 
1863 when the battle was fought, and on this the commission purpose 
having correctly indicated the positions of the troops on both sides 
engaged in the l)attle for ever}^ hour of July 1, 2, and 3, 1863. The 
other map, besides the topography in general, shows the timber, 
streams, fences, rocks, buildings, movmted guns, avenues, monuments, 
in short, everything on the battlefield as it is at the present time. 

Much work has been and is still being done to restore in all respects 
the battlefield as it was at the time of the battle. One of the most 
important tasks is the preservation and restoration of the forests as 
they existed then, and much has been done toward accomplishing this 
object. Much has also been done toward rebuilding the stone fences 
inclosing the fields, nearl}' all of which served as breastworks and 
defenses for the troops of one or the other of the armies during the 
battle. Many thousands of yards of these stone fences and walls have 
been restored, a large portion of them during the present year. 

WATER DRAINS ALONGSIDE THE AVENUES. 

After constructing the Telford avenues along the lines of battle, as 
the ground here is almost all undulating, although, fortunately, in 
most places on the battle lines not steep, it was found absolutely need- 
ful to have good water drains along at least one, if not both sides of 
every avenue at almost all points, in order to prevent continual damage 
to them by washing from the frequent heavy rains. Fortunately we 
found on Big Kound Top a well-nigh inexhaustible supply of stones 
of the exact size and thickness required to pave neatly and durably, 
and without great expense or trouble, the drains alongside of our 
avenues, and elsewhere on the field where needed, and nuich of this 
work has been done this year, with most satisfactory results. 



54 GETTYSBUKG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 



GUARDS. 

There are five regularl}' emplo3"ed guards or watchmen on the battle- 
field. We have found them necessary to prevent desecration and 
injury of the public works on the battlefield by thoughtless or mis- 
chievous visitors, and particularly the mutilation of monuments by 
the sacrilegious relic hunters that sometimes infest the grounds with 
the sense of reverence whoU}" undeveloped. 

ACQUISITION OF LANDS. 

Since our last report convevances have been executed for the Francis 
Althott' tract of 12.75 acres lying at the head of Plum Run Valley and 
adjoining the "• Wheatfield,''' and also for the Basil Biggs tract of 48 
acres lying between Hancock avenue and the Tanevtown road, a short 
distance south of (ireneral Meade's headquarters. 

A parcel of land has been purchased from Peter Swisher, containing 
2.42 acres, situated along the eastern side of Sedgwick avenue, and on 
which were the headquarters of both General Sedgwick and General 
Sykes, just north of Little Round Top. And another parcel has also 
been purchased from said Swisher, containing 9.20 acres, situated west 
of Sedgwick avenue and adjoining the Althott' tract and Plum Run 
Valley. Numerous military movements took place on it, and its 
possession by the United States was important. 

A proceeding, approved by the Department, was begun since our 
last report to condemn a parcel of land containing about 12 acres, situ- 
ated near the Devil's Den and between the Round Tops. It is thickly 
covered with large bowlders and quite valueless intrinsically, but there 
was sever^, fighting on and over it in tlie afternoon of the second day. 
Moreover, its owner has permitted it to become the scene of revelries 
which many right-minded people consider a desecration of the ground 
consecrated by the blood of hundreds of heroes and patriots. The pro- 
ceeding was begun under the jurisdiction of the United States circuit 
court for the eastern district of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, which 
appointed and qualified the jury of view; but the case was removed 
to the court of the middle district of Pennsj^lvania at Harrisburg, Pa., 
upon the creation of that district by the last Congress. The juiy of 
view inspected the land and heard evidence in the case at Gettysburg 
on the Tth of May and rendered their verdict of $6,150 for the respond- 
ent, Avho has taken an appeal to the court in term. The Park Com- 
mission have also appealed on behalf of the United States, and the case 
stands for hearing at the next term of the court. 

There are also other tracts and parcels of land which may have to 
be condemned and acquired by the Government to prevent them from 
being put to uses by the owners which would disfigure the battlefield, 
and they can not l>e purchased except at such exorbitant figures as no 
jury of view would sanction. 

In conclusion, the Commission repeat that the thousands of visitors 
who throng the Gettysburg National Park, including great numbers of 
veterans from all sections of our country, emphatically approve the 
Government's design to make this battlefield an enduring monument 
to American valor, and are gratified to see how successfully that design 
is beino- realized. 



GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 55 

The commission respectfully ask for an appropriation of ?jl75,OO0 
for the next fiscal year. 
Respectfully, 

John P. Nicholson, 

Chain) 1071 . 
Wm. M. Robbins, 
Charles A. Richardson, 

Coinmiss loners. 
The Secretary of War. 



LIST OF 15LUE PRINTS ACCOM PAX VIXG REPORT OF 1901. 

422. — Property conveyed by Simon J. Codori to Gettysburg Springs and H(jtel Com- 
pany. 

423. — Design for monument. 

424. — Map showing the property of W. H. Tipton on the Gettysburg battlefield and 
the occupation of said property by the troops of both armies during the 
battle; also location of said property with reference to the lands of the 
National Park. 

425. — Bryan farm to be attached to lease. 

426. — Biggs farm to be attached to lease. 

427. — Masonheimer farm to be attached to lease. 

428. — Smith farm to be attached to lease. 

429. — Trostle farm to be attached to lease. 

430. — Weikert farm to be attached to lease. 

431.- — Tracts of land belonging to Peter D. Swisher. 

432. — Gettysburg battlefield, reduced scale. 

433.— Plan for filling Quarry Hole in Trostle field along United States avenue. 

434. — Pitzer's schoolhouse, D-2. 

435. — South Taneytown road, E-4. 

436.— Map of Gettysburg battlefield, 600-foot scale. 

437.— South Cavalry field, F-2. 

438.— North Rock Creek, A-4. 

439.— North JNIiddle, A-3. 

440.— Herr Tavern, A-2. 

441. — Hanover road, B-5. 

442.— Wolf Hill, C-5. 

443.— East Baltimore pike, D-5. 

444. — ]\Iap showing the location of buildings on the Wm. H. Tipton property on the 
battlefield of Gettysburg. 

445.— South Rock Creek, E-5. 

446. — Peach orchard and wheat field, D-3. 

447.— Map of Gettysburg battlefield 600 feet, as it was in 1863. 

448.— Plan of Pleasonton avenue from Hancock avenue to Taneytown road. 

449. — Property of J. Emory Bair and Calvin Gilbert. 

450. — Property of heirs of Frederick G. Pfeffer, tract 4. 

451. — Plan of Chamberlain avenue over Little Round Top. 

Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Com.mandery op 

THE State of Colorado. 

Col. John P. Nichol.son. 

Dear Sir: At the stated meeting of this commandery held February 2, 1901, Com- 
panion Westbrook S. Decker offered the following resolution: 

"Resolved, That the members of this commandery of the Loyal Legion desire to 
convey to the Secretary of War their deep appreciation and gratitude for what has 
been accomplished l)y the War Department on the battlefield of Gettysburg. The 
faithful and skillful work of Col. John P. Nicholson, Maj. William M. Robbins, and 
Maj. Charles A. Richardson, the United States Commission, in locating and preserv- 
ing the lines of battle and the laying out of avenues on those lines is worthy of the 
highest commendation. This commandery, appreciating the splendid work already 
done and realizing that the work has not reached completion, hope that the said 



56 GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION. 

members of the Commission be retained and that said Commission receive the con- 
tinued support of Congress, to the end that the National ^Memorial Park may be 
completed as originally designed and a lit memorial of the brave men who fought on 
that historic field." 

The resolution was unanimously adopted. 

S. K. Hooper, 

Commander. 
J. R. Saville, 
Recorder. 



Headqitarters Corporal Skelly Post No. 9, G. A. R., 

Gettysburg, Pa. 
The Honorable The Secretary of War, 

WasJiinyton, D. C: 
At a regular meeting of Corporal Skelly Post No. 9, G. A. R., Department of 
Pennsylvania, held Jarmary 14, 1901, it was 

"Resolved, That it was only right and proper that the soldiers of the late war of 
the rebellion living here on this most remarkable battlefield should add their com- 
mendation to the many tributes of respect and esteem already sent to you in behalf 
of the commissioners who have charge of the great work now going on under their 
able supervision. We therefore esteem it a great pleasure to commend in the 
highest terms the substantial manner in which the work is conducted by your com- 
missioners, and as ex-soldiers and now citizens of Gettysburg and vicinity we do 
most respectfully pray that you will recommend a liberal appropriation for this 
Gettysburg National Park, that your commissioners may be in a position to secure 
the much needed property to complete the great task they have undertaken." 
By order of the Post: 

Simon P. Stover, 

Post Commander. 
Attest: Wm. H. Rupp, 

Post Adjutant. 



LIST of photographs TO ACCOMPANY COMMISSIONER'S REPORT, 1901. 

1. — Bridge over Gulp's Run, East Confederate avenue. 

2. — Culvert No. 1, East Confederate avenue. 

3. — East Confederate avenue, showing paved gutter. 

4. — Culvert No. 2, East Confederate avenue. 

5. — East Confederate avenue, showing bi'eastworks of Jones's Brigade rebuilt. 

6. — East Confederate avenue, looking north. 

7. — Smith's Brigade C. S. A., tablet, East Confederate avenue. 

8.— Hancock avenue, looking south, showing new tube fence. 

9. — Hancock avenue, looking north, showing new tube fence. 
10. — -Sedgwick avenue, stone wall rebuilt through Weikert farm. 
11. — Sedgwick avenue, new fence and stone wall rebuilt along Swisher field. 
12. — Marker where General Sickles was wounded, and Trostle Barn. 
13. — Marker erected where Maj. Gen. D. E. Sickles was wounded. . 
14. — Wheatfield road, showing paved gutter and new post fence. 
15. — Pleasonton avenue, showing foundation stones. 
16. — West Confederate avenue, showing foundation stones. 
17. — East Cavalry field, (iregg avenue. 
18. — East Cavalry field, Cavalry shaft. 

19.- East Cavalry field, Randol's Batteries E and G, First U. S. Artillery. 
20. — Statue to John Burns on Stone avenue. 

21. — Brander's Virginia Battery (Letcher Artillery), West Confederate avenue. 
22. — Pleasonton avenue, looking east. 

23. — Marye's Battery (the Fredericksburg Artillery), West Confederate avenue. 
24. — Ward's Mississippi Battery (Madison Light Artillery), West Confederate avenue. 
25. — West Confederate avenue, showing First Vermont and First New York monu- 
ments in Pitzer Woods. 
26. — West Confederate avenue, looking north from Pitzer Woods. 
27. — West Confederate avenue, looking south, showing batteries of Dearing's Battalion. 
28. — West Confederate avenue, looking south, showing batteries of Eshleman's Bat- 
talion. 

o 




TOWER, CONFEDERATE AVENUE, SECTION 4, 




TOWER AND KNAPS BATTERY, BATTERY E, PENNSYLVANIA LIGHT ARTILLERY, 
SUMMIT OF GULPS HILL. 




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MARKER ERECTED WHERE MAJ. GEN. D E. SICKLES WAS WOUNDED. 



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STATUE TO JOHN BURNS ON STONE AVENUE. 




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